Early Childhood Contact Us

  • Principal: Kari Arehart

    Asst. Principal: DJ Driskill

    Phone - 417-649-5709

    Secretary: Charla Storm

    Nurse: Amberlee Miller

    Mailing Address: 206 South Roney, Carl Junction, MO 64834

    Physical Address: 306 West Allen Street, Carl Junction, MO 64834

  • link to CJ Early Childhood Facebook

Welcome to the CJ Early Childhood Program

Announcements

  • Early Education Center Updates-

    We offer free developmental screenings for children who will be 3 or 4 years old before August 1, 2025, and reside in the Carl Junction School District. These screenings address motor skills, language, social skills, and cognition, and include hearing and vision checks.

    Developmental screenings are required for families interested in possible preschool placement for the 2025-2026 school year. Placement is not guaranteed and is based on need, availability, and birthdate. A sign-up link for developmental screenings (ages 3-4) will be available on our website in mid-February.

    Developmental screenings for children from birth to age 3 are available through our Parents As Teachers program. For more information, contact Kim Cristy at 417-649-5709. 

    The Carl Junction Early Education Center offers the following programs:

    • Parents As Teachers (Prenatal to Kindergarten entry)
    • Preschool Classes (must be 3 or 4 years old before Aug. 1)
    • Early Childhood Special Education

    ✔ Families must provide all of these documents at their appointment in order to complete enrollment.

    For more information, please call the Early Education Center office at 417-649-5709.

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Early Childhood Programs

  • Parents as Teachers (Birth to Kindergarten)

    A free parenting guidance service offered to families in the CJ district to help you as a caregiver, become your child’s first and best teacher.

    Includes:

    • Optional personal visits
    • Family connections through fun events
    • Free Screenings
    • Resource and Referral Network

    Visit our webpage.

    To sign up, complete this registration form. For questions, call 417-649-5709 or email kcristy@cjr1.org

    Early Childhood Programs (3 & 4 year olds)

    • Preschool: Affordable tuition-based preschool program, class choices include:
      • 3 years old before Aug. 1 - Classes are two half-days per week (Mon/Wed AM or Tues/Thurs AM)
      • 4 years old before Aug. 1 - Classes are four half-days per week
        • Mon-Thurs AM or PM
        • 2023-24 rate for four-day $160/month, two-day $95/month (rate subject to slight change) Class sizes are limited, call 417-649-5709 for availability.

     Early Childhood Special Education

      • AM Half-day classes Monday-Thursday for ages 3 to Kindergarten
      • Entry – by IEP placement only – No tuition required 
      • PM- Reverse Mainstream PreK – Half-day class Monday-Thursday for PreK students with IEPs and
        qualifying model students (by invitation, based on screening results).

  • AM Programs:

    • 8 - 11 AM
    • Drop-off begins at 7:40 AM
    • Pick-up at 11 am

    PM Programs:

    • 12:00 - 3:00 PM
    • Drop-off begins at 11:55
    • Pick-up at 3:00

    Walker Door:

    A7 (Broadway Street)