Children at daycare

Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Independence, MO

Compare 20 child daycare & preschools 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

Programs
20
Avg rating
3.95/5
Parent reviews
353
Top rated (4.5+)
10

Independence has 20 licensed child daycare & preschools 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

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

Great Beginnings Preschool

5(1)

2020 S 291 Hwy, Independence, MO

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

First Step Academy LLC

4.8(1)

19401 E Us Highway 24, Independence, MO

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

Here They Grow LLC

4.2(4)

912 N Atherton Rd, Independence, MO

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

Map

Browse by type in Independence

Child Daycare & Preschools in Independence, Missouri

There are 20 child daycare & preschools in Independence, Missouri, making up 44% of the 45 total childcare facilities in the city. 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 Child Daycare & Preschools in Independence

Showing 20 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Creative World School INC.
Child Daycare & Preschools

Creative World School Inc. receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, educational quality, and supportive environment. Parents highlight strong teacher-child relationships, developmental progress, and modern conveniences like daily electronic updates and low student-teacher ratios.

Caring and professional staffstrong leadership (MariaNancy
Address
2641 Hub Dr, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 478-1887
Independence School District
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
1403 W Linden Ave, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5443
Boys Clubs Of Greater Kansas City
Child Daycare & Preschools

Parents consistently praise Boys Clubs of Greater Kansas City for its friendly and attentive staff, safe environment, and engaging activities. Children enjoy attending and parents appreciate the variety of facilities including gym, computer lab, and game room. The center appears to provide good care and feedback to families.

Friendly and attentive staffsafe environmentchildren enjoy attending
Address
315 S Leslie St, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 461-1422
Independence School District
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
18400 E Salisbury Rd, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 521-5526
Sunrise Montessori Academy Of Independence LLC.
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
16650 E Us Highway 40, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 478-1234
Little Lights Preschool Center
Child Daycare & Preschools
Address
14411 E 33rd St S, Independence, MO
Phone
(816) 836-7466

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Frequently asked questions

There are 20 child daycare & preschools daycares in Independence, Missouri, out of 45 total childcare facilities in the city. 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.