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About Us

Who We Are

A Few Words From Mrs. Carrie!

My name is Carrie Swinferd. I am a certified teacher and spent the last 7 years teaching Pre-K with my local school district. I have wanted to open my own school for some time now, and I have decided to take the step forward, 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 ideals, and my teaching style definitely has some Montessori influence.

My experience includes 13 years teaching  in public schools & 8 years of homeschooling my own son.

I hold a current Missouri Teaching Certificate.

Why People Choose Us

25 Years of Experience


Play-based, child centered learning environment


Certified Early Childhood Teacher


A passion to make leaning fun



Meet Our Staff

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Carrie Swinferd, BSED

Lead 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

 

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!

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Dace Youngblood

 

Certified Art Teacher

Dace received her Bachelors in Visual Arts & Art & Art History from the University of Latvia in Riga, Latvia.

She is the proud mother of 3, 2 of which have had Mrs. Carrie as their Preschool teacher.

She is excited to be joining us once a month for a special art lesson & activity!

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