History
Peapod Learning Center was founded in February of 2008 as a licensed family childcare home serving 8 infants 0-24 months. We were part of the Start-Up and Expansion program through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, created to increase the number of high quality early childhood education programs in Missouri. Peapod created a nature rich learning environment that combines trained early childhood educators with engaging indoor/outdoor learning spaces and gardens. The children flourished in this space and parent enthusiasm quickly led to a lengthy waiting list through word-of-mouth recommendations. As our families began to grow, we sought out additional spaces where we would be able to continue to accommodate everyone’s needs. In 2018 we purchased Peapod Brentwood, licensed and accredited through Missouri Accreditation. We also purchased Peapod Farm, a licensed family childcare facility serving up to 10 children ages 0-6. Our programs utilize Project Construct as our curriculum, DRDP as our assessment piece, and several nature curriculums including MDC’s Nature Revealed, Getting Little Feet WET (Water Education for Teachers),
Growing up WILD, and Project Learning Tree for early childhood. We are a nature-based preschool where experimentation and creativity are encouraged through hands-on, minds-on, blended outdoor and indoor activities utilizing our outdoor classrooms and play-based multiple intelligence centers. We tailor our instruction for the developmental needs of each child and reach children across all modes of learning to maximize their success. In March of 2020, Peapod’s Farm and Nature Schools were honored in the Showcase of top programs in the state by DESE, at the Conference on the Young Years.
