Magical Adventures
Early Childhood Center
About Us
About Us
Who We Are
Who We Are
A Few Words From Mrs. Carrie!
A Few Words From Mrs. Carrie!
My name is Carrie Swinferd. I am a certified early childhood teacher. I have spent most of my career teaching Pre-K in public schools.
I have wanted to open my own school for some time now, and so May 2023, I resigned from my position at Joplin Early Childhood and started my new adventure running my own center, as I see a GREAT need for quality preschool programs in our area.
I have a Bachelors in Early Childhood & am a huge supporter of play-based learning, as playing is the best way for children to learn the skills they need to be successful as they continue on into school. While I am not trained in Montessori, I have always liked many of their philosophies & techniques, and my teaching style definitely has some Montessori influence.
I hold a current Missouri Teaching Certificate.
Why People Choose Us
Why People Choose Us
25 Years of Experience
25 Years of Experience
Play-based, child centered learning environment
Play-based, child centered learning environment
Certified Early Childhood Teacher
Certified Early Childhood Teacher
A passion to make leaning fun
A passion to make leaning fun
Meet Our Staff
Meet Our Staff
Carrie Swinferd, BSED
Carrie Swinferd, BSED
Teacher/Owner
I graduated from NSU in 1997 with my BSED in Early Childhood. I taught pre-k through 1st grade until 2003 when my son was born. I was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom until he was 13, and homeschool him through the end of 8th grade. In 2016 I accepted a job teaching at Joplin Early Childhood.
I strongly believe that children learn best through play, & therefore like to model after programs such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, & other play-based/child-centered programs.
Heather Peterson, LMSW
Heather Peterson, LMSW
Social Skills Specialist
Hi, my name is Heather Peterson, and I am so excited to be a part of your child's social/emotional learning by providing monthly social skills instruction! Here's a little about me... I have lived in the Joplin area my whole life and love spending my free time with my husband, our two awesome kiddos, and our wild mix of pets as well as going to the lake and traveling any chance we get. I obtained my BSW at MSSU, my MSW at MSU, and my LMSW license, all of which have allowed me to serve the Joplin community in different areas. Overall, working with children and providing social skills education is one of my life's greatest joys! I look forward to working with your child this school year!