Children at daycare

Best Daycare Centers in Independence, MO

Compare 45 daycare centers in Independence. Average rating: 3.95/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.

Independence, Missouri at a glance

Daycares
45
Avg rating
3.95/5
Parent reviews
353
Top rated (4.5+)
10

Independence has 45 licensed daycares with 353 parent reviews averaging 3.95/5.10 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 42% of rated programs, well above average.The largest concentration is in 64055 with 14 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Independence

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

  1. 1

    2901 M 291 Frontage Rd, Independence, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 99 children

    Hand in Hand Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's genuine care, patience, and commitment to child development. Parents consistently report feeling at peace leaving their children in the center's care and note their children are excited to attend. The facility is noted for creating a warm, nurturing environment with strong educational curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten.

    Caring and patient staffwarm and nurturing environmentstrong curriculum and academic preparationexcellent communication with parents
  2. 2

    17800 Susquehanna Rdg, Independence, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 70 children

    Susquehanna Baptist Preschool is a religious facility in Independence, Missouri with a 4.7/5 Google rating. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the welcoming church community and preschool that has served the area for over 25 years. Parents highlight the loving atmosphere, spiritual leadership, and sense of family within the congregation.

    welcoming communityloving environmentexperienced staff (25+ years serving neighborhood)spiritual messages
  3. 3
    Bethel Baptist Preschool
    4.49 score
    4.7(12)

    2406 S 291 Hwy, Independence, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 38 children

    Bethel Baptist Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from families who appreciate the welcoming, loving environment and strong Christian teachings. Parents praise the pastoral staff, community atmosphere, and inclusive approach to families of diverse backgrounds. The facility is described as compassionate and Spirit-filled.

    welcoming and loving environmentstrong biblical teachingcaring pastoral staffinclusive of diverse backgrounds
  4. 4

    15200 E 39th St, Independence, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 59 children

    Sycamore Hills Baptist Church Preschool is a religious facility with consistently positive reviews focused on its welcoming community and biblical teaching. Parents praise the preschool as suitable for 3-4 year olds and highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The facility is appreciated for its traditional approach to faith and scripture-based programming.

    welcoming communityfriendly staffknowledgeable caregiverssuitable for ages 3-4
  5. 5

    10628 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 39 children

    All reviews are 5/5 stars and focus on the church experience at Englewood Ministries rather than the preschool daycare program. Parents praise the welcoming community, spiritual atmosphere, and sense of belonging.

    Welcoming congregationstrong spiritual presencesense of community and belongingquality worship experience
  6. 6

    4500 Little Blue Pkwy, Independence, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 165 children

    Little Angels Early Childhood Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the welcoming atmosphere, caring staff, and quality of care and education. Parents report their children adjust well and thrive at the facility. One concern raised involves frequent closures that create scheduling challenges for working parents outside the Blue Springs school district.

    Welcoming atmospherechildren's safety prioritizedeffective emergency response proceduresstaff goes above and beyond
  7. 7

    500 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 120 children

    Parents report positive experiences with First Baptist Church Child Care in Independence. The facility receives praise for attentive staff, emotional support for children, and developmental progress. Multiple reviews highlight the director and teachers as caring and helpful.

    Caring and attentive staffemotional support for childrengood developmental outcomesexperienced director (Laurie)
  8. 8

    17200 E 39th St, Independence, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 60 children

    St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church operates a learning center in Independence, Missouri. Most reviewers praise the church community as welcoming and family-oriented with an engaging pastor. However, one parent reported the learning center closed after experiencing poor interactions with office staff and difficulty obtaining year-end receipts.

    Welcoming and friendly communityengaging pastorfamily-centered environmentinspiring sermons
  9. 9

    1701 E 24 Highway, Independence, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 65 children

    Kid's Kastle Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the spacious facilities, friendly staff, and family-like environment. However, one negative review raises serious concerns about lack of educational content, behavioral management, and undisclosed issues at the facility.

    Spacious facility with upstairs play arealarge playgroundfriendly and nice stafffamily environment
  10. 10

    2407 S 291 Hwy, Independence, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 170 children

    Parents consistently praise A-Zanipolo Child Care as a loving, nurturing facility with exceptional staff. The center is noted for its safety practices, flexibility, educational focus, and warm, friendly atmosphere. Multiple parents report their children are happy and secure, with some having attended for years.

    Caring and warm staffsafe and secure environmentflexible schedulingeducational programming and learning activities

Rating Distribution

Based on 24 daycares with Google ratings in Independence

4.5 - 5.0
10
4.0 - 4.4
3
3.0 - 3.9
11
Below 3
0

What Parents Value Most

Top qualities mentioned across 353 reviews, analyzed by AI

1Professional and friendly staff
3

Best Rated Neighborhoods

Independence zip codes ranked by average daycare rating

Zip CodeDaycaresAvg. RatingTop Rated
640577
4.28
4
640569
4.2
2
6405010
3.77
1
6405514
3.61
2

Facility Sizes

Capacity distribution of daycares in Independence (16–282 children)

Small

up to 30 children

5

Medium

31–75 children

23

Large

76–150 children

12

Very Large

150+ children

5

Top Rated

Highest rated daycares in Independence based on parent reviews

Hand In Hand Children'S Center INC.

4.8(18)

2901 M 291 Frontage Rd, Independence, MO

Hand in Hand Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's genuine care, patience, and commitment to child development. Parents consistently report feeling at peace leaving their children in the center's care and note their children are excited to attend. The facility is noted for creating a warm, nurturing environment with strong educational curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten.

Caring and patient staffwarm and nurturing environmentstrong curriculum and academic preparation

Susquehanna Baptist Preschool

4.7(20)

17800 Susquehanna Rdg, Independence, MO

Susquehanna Baptist Preschool is a religious facility in Independence, Missouri with a 4.7/5 Google rating. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the welcoming church community and preschool that has served the area for over 25 years. Parents highlight the loving atmosphere, spiritual leadership, and sense of family within the congregation.

welcoming communityloving environmentexperienced staff (25+ years serving neighborhood)

Bethel Baptist Preschool

4.7(12)

2406 S 291 Hwy, Independence, MO

Bethel Baptist Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from families who appreciate the welcoming, loving environment and strong Christian teachings. Parents praise the pastoral staff, community atmosphere, and inclusive approach to families of diverse backgrounds. The facility is described as compassionate and Spirit-filled.

welcoming and loving environmentstrong biblical teachingcaring pastoral staff

Sycamore Hills Baptist Church Preschool

4.6(11)

15200 E 39th St, Independence, MO

Sycamore Hills Baptist Church Preschool is a religious facility with consistently positive reviews focused on its welcoming community and biblical teaching. Parents praise the preschool as suitable for 3-4 year olds and highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The facility is appreciated for its traditional approach to faith and scripture-based programming.

welcoming communityfriendly staffknowledgeable caregivers

Englewood Ministries Preschool Daycare

4.5(15)

10628 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO

All reviews are 5/5 stars and focus on the church experience at Englewood Ministries rather than the preschool daycare program. Parents praise the welcoming community, spiritual atmosphere, and sense of belonging.

Welcoming congregationstrong spiritual presencesense of community and belonging

Little Angels Early Childhood Center

4.6(5)

4500 Little Blue Pkwy, Independence, MO

Little Angels Early Childhood Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the welcoming atmosphere, caring staff, and quality of care and education. Parents report their children adjust well and thrive at the facility. One concern raised involves frequent closures that create scheduling challenges for working parents outside the Blue Springs school district.

Welcoming atmospherechildren's safety prioritizedeffective emergency response procedures

Map

Browse by type in Independence

Daycare Centers in Independence, Missouri

There are 45 daycare centers in Independence, Missouri. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

Based on Google reviews, daycares in Independence have an average rating of 3.95 out of 5 across 24 rated facilities, with 42% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Church Daycare facilities lead with an average of 4.46 stars. Our analysis covers 353 parent reviews.

When choosing a daycare in Independence, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

All Daycare Centers in Independence

Showing 45 results

Great Beginnings Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
5

One parent describes loving the preschool and notes that everyone is wonderful. The single review provided is entirely positive regarding the staff experience.

Wonderful staff
Address
2020 S 291 Hwy, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 461-0266
First Step Academy LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

One parent highlights the staff's patience and kindness, noting that they successfully helped their shy son open up and eagerly return to class. The review also praises the educational focus on letters and numbers, as well as the variety of activities and food provided.

patient staffkind environmenthelped shy child open up
Address
19401 E Us Highway 24, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 796-9210
Hand In Hand Children'S Center INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.8

Hand in Hand Children's Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the staff's genuine care, patience, and commitment to child development. Parents consistently report feeling at peace leaving their children in the center's care and note their children are excited to attend. The facility is noted for creating a warm, nurturing environment with strong educational curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten.

Caring and patient staffwarm and nurturing environmentstrong curriculum and academic preparation
Address
2901 M 291 Frontage Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 350-7500
Bethel Baptist Preschool
Church Daycare
4.7

Bethel Baptist Preschool receives consistently positive feedback from families who appreciate the welcoming, loving environment and strong Christian teachings. Parents praise the pastoral staff, community atmosphere, and inclusive approach to families of diverse backgrounds. The facility is described as compassionate and Spirit-filled.

welcoming and loving environmentstrong biblical teachingcaring pastoral staff
Address
2406 S 291 Hwy, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 252-3555
Susquehanna Baptist Preschool
Church Daycare
4.7

Susquehanna Baptist Preschool is a religious facility in Independence, Missouri with a 4.7/5 Google rating. All reviews are 5-star ratings praising the welcoming church community and preschool that has served the area for over 25 years. Parents highlight the loving atmosphere, spiritual leadership, and sense of family within the congregation.

welcoming communityloving environmentexperienced staff (25+ years serving neighborhood)
Address
17800 Susquehanna Rdg, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 257-2080
Sycamore Hills Baptist Church Preschool
Church Daycare
4.6

Sycamore Hills Baptist Church Preschool is a religious facility with consistently positive reviews focused on its welcoming community and biblical teaching. Parents praise the preschool as suitable for 3-4 year olds and highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff. The facility is appreciated for its traditional approach to faith and scripture-based programming.

welcoming communityfriendly staffknowledgeable caregivers
Address
15200 E 39th St, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 373-1646
Little Angels Early Childhood Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.6

Little Angels Early Childhood Center receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, with most praising the welcoming atmosphere, caring staff, and quality of care and education. Parents report their children adjust well and thrive at the facility. One concern raised involves frequent closures that create scheduling challenges for working parents outside the Blue Springs school district.

Welcoming atmospherechildren's safety prioritizedeffective emergency response procedures
Address
4500 Little Blue Pkwy, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 229-9335
The Stone Church Preschool
Church Daycare
4.5

A few parents highlight the excellent teachers and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as a great place for children. However, one reviewer warns that the facility is understaffed and cites difficulties in obtaining timely refunds.

good teachersgreat atmospherewelcoming environment
Address
1012 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 461-0150
Christ Early Learning Center
Church Daycare
4.5

Parents highlight the staff's caring nature and responsiveness, with one noting peace of mind from receiving periodic photos of their child. Another reviewer appreciates the center's dedication to both children and the broader community.

caring staffresponsive to questionsperiodic photo updates
Address
14506 E 39th St, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 461-3393
Englewood Ministries Preschool Daycare
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.5

All reviews are 5/5 stars and focus on the church experience at Englewood Ministries rather than the preschool daycare program. Parents praise the welcoming community, spiritual atmosphere, and sense of belonging.

Welcoming congregationstrong spiritual presencesense of community and belonging
Address
10628 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 254-8313
First Baptist Church Child Care
Church Daycare
4.3

Parents report positive experiences with First Baptist Church Child Care in Independence. The facility receives praise for attentive staff, emotional support for children, and developmental progress. Multiple reviews highlight the director and teachers as caring and helpful.

Caring and attentive staffemotional support for childrengood developmental outcomes
Address
500 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 252-4052
Here They Grow LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
4.2

Parents highlight flexible hours, small class sizes, and strong communication with the owner as key benefits, noting that the program prepares children well for kindergarten. Conversely, one review criticizes the owner's availability and the facility's policy of closing whenever the school district closes.

flexible hours (6am-6pm)small class sizesstrong parent communication
Address
912 N Atherton Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 257-1111
Starshine Preschool
Child Daycare & Preschools
4

Parents highlight the school's convenient hours, small class sizes, and loving, safe environment, with one noting significant growth in their children. Another parent specifically values the Christian-focused atmosphere, while a single negative review warns against the center for co-parenting situations and cites concerns regarding safety protocols and handling of serious issues.

perfect hourssmall class sizesloving environment
Address
400 W Maple, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 254-6900
St. Paul'S Evangelical Lutheran Church Of Kansas City Missouri
Church Daycare
3.9

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church operates a learning center in Independence, Missouri. Most reviewers praise the church community as welcoming and family-oriented with an engaging pastor. However, one parent reported the learning center closed after experiencing poor interactions with office staff and difficulty obtaining year-end receipts.

Welcoming and friendly communityengaging pastorfamily-centered environment
Address
17200 E 39th St, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 373-3582
Kid'S Kastle Preschool INC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.6

Kid's Kastle Preschool receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, who praise the spacious facilities, friendly staff, and family-like environment. However, one negative review raises serious concerns about lack of educational content, behavioral management, and undisclosed issues at the facility.

Spacious facility with upstairs play arealarge playgroundfriendly and nice staff
Address
1701 E 24 Highway, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 461-5275
A-Zanipolo Child Care--Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.5

Parents consistently praise A-Zanipolo Child Care as a loving, nurturing facility with exceptional staff. The center is noted for its safety practices, flexibility, educational focus, and warm, friendly atmosphere. Multiple parents report their children are happy and secure, with some having attended for years.

Caring and warm staffsafe and secure environmentflexible scheduling
Address
2407 S 291 Hwy, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 795-8182
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
3.1

Independence School District receives mixed reviews with praise for some teachers and staff professionalism, but significant criticism regarding administrative inefficiency, poor communication, enrollment/bus pass delays, and serious concerns about student treatment and discipline practices. Multiple parents report concerning incidents involving physical restraint, inadequate support for students with special needs, and allegations of bias and mishandling of student welfare i

Address
1511 S Kingshighway, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5485
Independence School District
Headstart Programs
3.1

Independence School District receives mixed reviews with significant concerns about administrative inefficiency, communication failures, and treatment of students with special needs or mental health diagnoses. While some parents praise individual teachers and staff professionalism, numerous reviews highlight serious issues including enrollment problems, alleged bias against African American students, physical restraint incidents, and lack of support for students on suspension

Address
1301 S Windsor, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5453
Independence School District
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.1

Independence School District receives mixed reviews with significant concerns about administrative inefficiency, communication failures, and alleged mistreatment of students with special needs or mental health diagnoses. While some parents praise individual teachers, the district faces widespread criticism regarding enrollment processes, discrimination, and handling of student behavioral incidents.

Professional and friendly staffquality teachers in many classrooms
Address
429 S Leslie St, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5393
Independence School District
Child Daycare & Preschools
3.1

Independence School District receives mixed reviews with significant concerns about administrative inefficiency, communication failures, and student treatment. While some parents praise individual teachers, the majority report serious issues including enrollment mismanagement, bias in discipline, inadequate support for students with special needs, and unresponsive administration.

Professional and friendly staffsome excellent teachersengaging activities and progra
Address
1525 N Noland Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5438
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
3.1

Independence School District receives mixed reviews with significant concerns about administrative inefficiency, communication failures, and alleged mistreatment of students, particularly those with special needs or from minority backgrounds. While some parents praise individual teachers, the majority express serious dissatisfaction with district-wide practices including enrollment issues, lack of accountability, and inadequate support for vulnerable students.

Profes
Address
3700 S Delaware Ave, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5417
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
3.1

Independence School District receives mixed reviews with high praise for some teachers and staff professionalism, but significant criticism regarding administrative inefficiency, poor communication, enrollment/bus pass handling issues, and concerning allegations of inappropriate student treatment and lack of support for students with disabilities or mental health needs.

Professional and friendly staffsome excellent teacherscaring and kind educators
Address
509 Jennings Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5447
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
3.1

Independence School District receives mixed reviews with significant concerns about administrative inefficiency, communication failures, and alleged mistreatment of students with special needs or from minority backgrounds. While some parents praise individual teachers and staff professionalism, systemic issues including enrollment problems, lack of educational services during suspensions, and inadequate handling of student complaints dominate negative feedback.

Profe
Address
17302 Rd Mize Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5398
Epic Kids Care
Child Daycare & Preschools
3

One parent reports that staff allow infants to sleep in swings and bouncy seats, citing a violation of AAP safe sleep guidelines and the risk of positional asphyxiation. The reviewer also notes the facility is license-exempt, meaning it is not required to follow standard safety regulations.

Address
19260 E 50th Ter S, Ste M, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 795-5454
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
Address
2437 S Hardy Ave, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5433
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
Address
20404 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5458
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
Address
11801 E 32nd St S, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5473
Independence School District
Before or After School Daycare
Address
120 N Cedar Ave, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5408
Small Wonders Childcare And Learning Center LLC
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
16995 E Dover Ln, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 560-1438
Boys Clubs Of Greater Kansas City
Child Daycare & Preschools

Most reviews are highly positive, with parents praising the staff, care quality, and environment for school-age children. However, one detailed negative review describes severe understaffing, inappropriate staff behavior, poor conditions for younger children, and concerning incident handling.

Caring and attentive staffgood leadershipwelcoming environment
Address
16995 E Dover Ln, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 257-7010

Page 1 of 2· 45 results

Frequently asked questions

There are 45 all daycares in Independence, Missouri. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.
Based on parent reviews, daycares in Independence have an average Google rating of 3.95 out of 5 across 24 rated facilities. About 42% of rated daycares score 4.5 stars or higher.
When choosing a daycare in Independence, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:
  • Licensing status with Missouri's regulatory agency
  • Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Missouri)
  • Safety measures and cleanliness
  • Daily routines and educational curriculum
  • Parent reviews and ratings
  • Location and hours that fit your schedule
Independence offers several types of childcare facilities:
  • Child Daycare & Preschools — 20 facilities
  • Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
  • Church Daycare — 8 facilities
  • Before or After School Daycare — 15 facilities
Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.
Daycare costs in Missouri typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Independence for current pricing.
Yes, daycare centers in Independence must be licensed by Missouri's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.