Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Joplin, MO
Compare 24 child daycare & preschools in Joplin. Average rating: 4.16/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Joplin, Missouri at a glance
- Programs
- 24
- Avg rating
- 4.16/5
- Parent reviews
- 260
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 8
Joplin has 24 licensed child daycare & preschools with 260 parent reviews averaging 4.16/5.8 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 40% of rated programs, well above average.The largest concentration is in 64801 with 20 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Joplin
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.
- 1Saint Paul'S Umc Awesome Adventure Preschool & Kids Day Out4.56 score4.7(20)
2423 W 26th St, Joplin, MO · Church Daycare · Capacity: 168 children
Reviews are exclusively about Saint Paul's UMC as a church rather than its preschool/daycare program. Parents praise the welcoming community, pastoral leadership, and spiritual atmosphere, though no specific feedback about the daycare services is provided.
Welcoming and inclusive communitycaring pastoral staffmultiple service times and programsactivities for families and children - 2Four State Christian School4.5 score5(5)
5290 E 7th St, Joplin, MO · Before or After School Daycare · Capacity: 70 children
Four State Christian School receives consistently positive feedback from parents who praise it as the best daycare option in the four-state area. Parents highlight the strong Christian environment, quality curriculum, and caring staff who create a family-like atmosphere while supporting significant child development.
Best staffexcellent Christian environmenttop-notch curriculumstrong academic learning - 3Plc Kidz4.45 score4.7(9)
5505 Gateway Dr, Joplin, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 38 children
PLC KIDZ receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, structured environment, and engaging activities. Parents consistently report their children are happy and feel safe at the facility. One parent expressed concern about the center's ability to provide individualized care for children with separation anxiety.
Caring and professional staffwell-organized structurestrong communication with parentssecurity measures (ID and code entry) - 4Missouri Southern State University4.4 score4.5(20)
3950 Newman Rd, Joplin, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 96 children
These reviews do not pertain to a daycare facility. The reviews are for Missouri Southern State University, a 4-year university in Joplin. The reviews discuss university academics, campus facilities, and student experiences rather than childcare services.
None mentioned - reviews are not applicable to daycare services - 5Economic Security Corporation Of Southwest Area4.32 score4.4(20)
520 S School Ave, Joplin, MO · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 8 children
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area in Joplin is a Head Start nonprofit organization that receives consistently positive feedback. Parents praise the organization's comprehensive assistance services including housing, utilities, and weatherization help, as well as the compassionate and efficient staff members.
caring and dedicated staffhelpful and responsive servicecomprehensive assistance programsefficient processing - 6Economic Security Corporation Of Southwest Area4.32 score4.4(20)
1102 Illinois Ave, Joplin, MO · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 60 children
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area is a HEAD START nonprofit organization in Joplin, Missouri that receives consistently high praise from clients. Parents and community members highlight exceptional staff, comprehensive assistance services including housing and utility help, and a genuinely caring approach to supporting vulnerable populations.
Excellent and caring staff (especially praised individuals GenevaStephanieBrianand Bill) - 7Economic Security Corporation Of Southwest Area4.32 score4.4(20)
1200 N Main, Joplin, MO · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 118 children
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area in Joplin is a HEAD START nonprofit organization that receives consistently high praise from clients. Parents and community members highlight exceptional staff compassion, efficient service delivery, and comprehensive assistance with housing, utilities, and weatherization. The organization is described as genuinely caring about client well-being and going above and beyond expectations.
Caring and compassionate staffhelpful and professional serviceefficient processingcomprehensive assistance programs (housing - 8Economic Security Corporation Of Southwest Area4.32 score4.4(20)
4230 W Richard Joseph Blvd, Joplin, MO · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 98 children
Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area is a HEAD START nonprofit organization in Joplin, Missouri that receives consistently high praise from clients. Parents and service users highlight exceptional staff members, comprehensive assistance programs (housing, utilities, repairs), and genuine care for community members. The organization is noted for efficiency, professionalism, and going above and beyond to help those in need.
Caring and dedicated staffhelpful and professional servicecomprehensive assistance programs (housingutilities - 9Economic Security Corporation Of Southwest Area4.32 score4.4(20)
4230 S Richard Joseph Blvd W, Joplin, MO · Headstart Programs · Capacity: 16 children
Economic Security Corporation receives consistent 5-star ratings from community members who praise the organization's genuine care and support. Reviewers highlight helpful staff, efficient services, and assistance with housing, utilities, and repairs. The organization is described as a valuable community resource that goes above and beyond expectations.
Caring and dedicated staffHelpful and efficient serviceProfessional operationsGenuine concern for client well - 10Dinosaur Academy4.2 score4.3(10)
2108 S Main, Joplin, MO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children
Dinosaur Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with praise for cleanliness, staff friendliness, and a fun environment. However, two 1-star reviews raise serious concerns about staff qualifications, supervision, child neglect, dietary mismanagement, and safety incidents including bites.
Clean facilityfriendly and caring stafffun atmospherenew additions and preschool program
Rating Distribution
Based on 20 daycares with Google ratings in Joplin
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 260 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Joplin, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Joplin zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64804 | 16 | 4.34 | 6 | |
| 64801 | 20 | 4.05 | 2 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Joplin (8–168 children)
Small
up to 30 children
6
Medium
31–75 children
23
Large
76–150 children
7
Very Large
150+ children
1
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Joplin based on parent reviews
Plc Kidz
5505 Gateway Dr, Joplin, MO
PLC KIDZ receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, structured environment, and engaging activities. Parents consistently report their children are happy and feel safe at the facility. One parent expressed concern about the center's ability to provide individualized care for children with separation anxiety.
Missouri Southern State University
3950 Newman Rd, Joplin, MO
These reviews do not pertain to a daycare facility. The reviews are for Missouri Southern State University, a 4-year university in Joplin. The reviews discuss university academics, campus facilities, and student experiences rather than childcare services.
Kidz Clubhouse Daycare & Learning Center L.L.C.
1918 S Sergeant Ave, Joplin, MO
Parents highlight the staff's kindness, compassion, and trustworthiness, noting that the center feels like a personal, heart-driven effort rather than a mere business. Reviewers appreciate the supportive environment for both children and parents, as well as the long-term positive impact on children's development.
Dinosaur Academy
2108 S Main, Joplin, MO
Dinosaur Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with praise for cleanliness, staff friendliness, and a fun environment. However, two 1-star reviews raise serious concerns about staff qualifications, supervision, child neglect, dietary mismanagement, and safety incidents including bites.
The Plaid Giraffe Preschool At Calvary
600 E 50th St, Joplin, MO
One parent highlights that their children have enjoyed the program and demonstrated significant learning and growth under the guidance of the staff. The reviewer also appreciates the faith-based environment, noting that teachers point students toward Jesus.
Kidstuff Preschool
509 S Pearl, Joplin, MO
Parents highlight the facility's safety, attentive staff, and engaging learning environments, with children expressing enjoyment in the classes. However, one reviewer reports being turned away due to the center's inability to accommodate a child with a learning disability, citing a lack of trial periods or follow-up.
Map
Daycare types in Joplin
Browse by type in Joplin
Child Daycare & Preschools in Joplin, Missouri
There are 24 child daycare & preschools in Joplin, Missouri, making up 65% of the 37 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 Joplin have an average rating of 4.16 out of 5 across 20 rated facilities, with 40% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Before or After School Daycare facilities lead with an average of 5 stars. Our analysis covers 260 parent reviews. Parents in Joplin most frequently praise daycares for clean facility, caring and dedicated staff, and efficient processing.
When choosing a daycare in Joplin, 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 Joplin
Showing 24 results
Parents highlight the staff's kindness, compassion, and trustworthiness, noting that the center feels like a personal, heart-driven effort rather than a mere business. Reviewers appreciate the supportive environment for both children and parents, as well as the long-term positive impact on children's development.
- Address
- 1918 S Sergeant Ave, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 726-5022
- Address
- 3830 E 20th, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 206-4556
One parent highlights that their children have enjoyed the program and demonstrated significant learning and growth under the guidance of the staff. The reviewer also appreciates the faith-based environment, noting that teachers point students toward Jesus.
- Address
- 600 E 50th St, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 438-5859
PLC KIDZ receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents who praise the caring staff, structured environment, and engaging activities. Parents consistently report their children are happy and feel safe at the facility. One parent expressed concern about the center's ability to provide individualized care for children with separation anxiety.
- Address
- 5505 Gateway Dr, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 499-4398
These reviews do not pertain to a daycare facility. The reviews are for Missouri Southern State University, a 4-year university in Joplin. The reviews discuss university academics, campus facilities, and student experiences rather than childcare services.
- Address
- 3950 Newman Rd, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 625-9360
Dinosaur Academy receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from most parents, with praise for cleanliness, staff friendliness, and a fun environment. However, two 1-star reviews raise serious concerns about staff qualifications, supervision, child neglect, dietary mismanagement, and safety incidents including bites.
- Address
- 2108 S Main, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 624-4442
Parents highlight the facility's safety, attentive staff, and engaging learning environments, with children expressing enjoyment in the classes. However, one reviewer reports being turned away due to the center's inability to accommodate a child with a learning disability, citing a lack of trial periods or follow-up.
- Address
- 509 S Pearl, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 624-0196
The Learning Tree receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents regarding child care quality, staff warmth, and educational activities. However, one employee's family member raised serious concerns about staff treatment, potential regulatory non-compliance, and administrative issues.
- Address
- 101 Plaza Dr, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 627-9112
Curiosity Corner Learning Center has received mixed reviews following a recent ownership change. While some parents praise improved care and staffing under new management, others report significant concerns about child-to-caregiver ratios, billing practices, administrative disorganization, and educational outcomes.
- Address
- 5065 N Main St, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 623-4797
Wee Tots Day Care Center has highly polarized reviews. Several parents report excellent care, cleanliness, and staff friendliness with their children thriving. However, multiple parents describe serious safety concerns including inadequate supervision, staff misconduct, injuries to children, and ongoing investigations by DFS.
- Address
- 2302 S Moffett, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 624-9500
Kids Korner Daycare has received highly polarized reviews. Two positive reviews praise the educational approach, teacher engagement, and child development, while nine negative reviews cite serious safety concerns, inadequate supervision, untrained staff, neglectful care practices, and aggressive behavior toward children.
- Address
- 2602 S Wall Ave, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 782-4797
- Address
- 3001 Mc Clelland Blvd, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 625-5350
- Address
- 3132 E 12th St, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 691-8176
- Address
- 5601 N Main St, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 627-9365
- Address
- 610 W F St, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 625-5325
La Petite Academy in Joplin receives unanimous 5-star ratings from parents who praise the caring staff, strong curriculum, and nurturing environment. Parents consistently highlight Director Melody and her team for treating children with genuine love and fostering early learning and development. The facility's live streaming feature and open communication are also noted as valuable benefits.
- Address
- 2002 E 32nd, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 781-3554
- Address
- 1323 E 28th, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 625-5360
- Address
- 610 S Forest Ave, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 625-5365
- Address
- 2201 W 24th, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 781-9622
- Address
- 26230 Fir Rd, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 612-0050
- Address
- 1001 W 7th St, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 625-5380
- Address
- 3130 S Wall Ave, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 781-5681
- Address
- 1505 W 10th St, # Gh, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 793-7850
- Address
- 4954 E 20th St, Joplin, MO
- Phone
- (417) 625-5330
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Frequently asked questions
- 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
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 24 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 6 facilities
- Church Daycare — 4 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 3 facilities