Our Founder and Owner, Pamela Piekarski, started in early education as a Kindergarten teacher in 1978. Over the years she realized that kindergarten was late for introducing early-learning skills to children and that they would have much better opportunities in life if they were taught necessary concepts at an earlier age.
With an owner who has been in the childcare industry for 40 years and teachers who all have education in developmentally appropriate practices, we are stalwart advocates for education. Finally in 1985, after not being able to find quality early learning for her 3 daughters who were under 5, she opened her first childcare center in Kansas City, MO.
With an owner who has been in the childcare industry for 40 years and teachers who all have education in developmentally appropriate practices, we are stalwart advocates for education. Finally in 1985, after not being able to find quality early learning for her 3 daughters who were under 5, she opened her first childcare center in Kansas City, MO.
Services
Led by qualified teachers, we create the right environment to cater to every child's natural zeal for learning. From ensuring the nurturing love infants need to thrive, to creating hands-on opportunities for the safe and thoughtful exploration toddlers crave, our Academy answers every family's desire to provide the best for their child.
Our teachers are highly-qualified, nurturing, and proud to deliver the quality early-learning experiences that will benefit your child for a lifetime. You'll receive daily updates about your child's day via our app, plus receive tri-annual reports on developmental milestones, and more, so we can reach the same goals together.
We understand the challenges that come with raising a family and working outside the home, that's why we offer child care discounts so you can rest easy knowing your child is getting a quality early learning education and opportunity to thrive. We know early education isn't without its obstacles, that's why our highly-qualified team is there to answer questions, guide you through learning curves and help you succeed.
Your child's care and education are top priorities for you, and you want to be sure they are getting the very best. There are several options available to help you offset the cost of tuition and we've made it easy to learn about them. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 enhanced the benefits of families with children and child care specifically.
Our passion for working with little ones extends to each child. We promise to treat your child as though they are our own and to make your baby feel loved and right at home. We play with your little one in a way that stimulates their responses to facial expressions and non-verbal cues. In doing so, your baby gets an early start on communication while feeling connected, safe, and valued.
Reviews (7)
Julie Riebesell
Dec 18, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
I have really enjoyed working at Exploring Minds Academy. It is a small center with a solid team atmosphere. I like having a connection with all of the children, not just those in my classroom. The owner takes the education of children very seriously and supports her teachers to accomplish that goal.
I have really enjoyed working at Exploring Minds Academy. It is a small center with a solid team atmosphere. I like having a connection with all of the children, not just those in my classroom. The owner takes the education of children very seriously and supports her teachers to accomplish that goal.
Christa Dunn
Nov 23, 2021
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We could not be more thrilled about Exploring Minds Academy. It’s in a convenient middle ground location for parents that work both north and south of the city. Its location also feels secluded and safe. There’s ease of traffic to get in and out quickly. The care in both the infant and toddler rooms has been great. We love the clear communication from staff and our child is excited to go to “school,” as well as excelling academically. We weren’t even upset when prices recently went up because it’s still a great value compared to many centers. Plus, we feel like the staff is more than
Patrick Moltane
Nov 21, 2021
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When we relocated to Shawnee from Buffalo, NY it was difficult to find a day care for our 3 year-old. Many places were full. Others did not follow up on our inquiries. Still others were underwhelming.
We found Ms. Pamela Piekarski, who has 40 years of early education experience, is bilingual and raised three daughters, and her staff were courteous, professional and made time to address our concerns in a timely manner. We value the diverse staff, mindful curriculum and personalized attention given our daughter. The academy is convenient to our residence in Shawnee and takes care to honor Covid
We found Ms. Pamela Piekarski, who has 40 years of early education experience, is bilingual and raised three daughters, and her staff were courteous, professional and made time to address our concerns in a timely manner. We value the diverse staff, mindful curriculum and personalized attention given our daughter. The academy is convenient to our residence in Shawnee and takes care to honor Covid
Ravyn Glasscock
Nov 11, 2021
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My kids love it here! Everyday they bring home something new they made and they are so proud of it. They teach my kids a lot of things like eating all their food is called "making a happy plate". They can say thank you and I want more in sign language. The staff is great and Mrs.Pamela actually cares about our life outside of school and will help you out if you have any problems going on.
Kayla Gaskey
Jan 17, 2020
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My kids have been coming here since 2014 & they all have enjoyed it here. They have loved all of their teachers & have been well taken care of by all the staff over the years. The staff & administration are all very trustworthy & I've never had a problem with leaving my children here. I highly recommend enrolling your kids here as the curriculum is outstanding especially when entering kindergarten & at an affordable price.
Cassiopaea Lovell
Dec 31, 2019
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Erin Deatsch
Jun 08, 2019
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The staff and the administration are center focused on the kids. They are very understanding to parents that may not be in the best situations. They are a shoulder to lean on and a very trustworthy place to leave your children. Exploring Minds Academy is a curriculum based center that focuses on learning through play and redirecting with positive directives. It shows through kids that have passed through their doors that have gone on to succeed in their academics. Early Head Start is one of the programs that Exploring Minds Academy partakes in so the teachers are consistently being trained in new
