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Kids First Early Learning Academy

1507 E Lark St, Springfield, MO 658044.0· 4 reviews
licensed capacity
78
open each week
5 days
Call (417) 887-2151WebsiteDirections

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Kids First Early Learning Academy

Kids First Early Learning Academy is a licensed child care center in Springfield, Missouri. It is licensed by the state, for up to 78 children, serving toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It describes a Play-based approach, with pre-k, preschool, summer camp and toddler care.

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood made 10 visits in the last 3 years and cited 17 rules across 9 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

Preschool / pre-KSchool-ageSummer campOpens before 7 AM

Ages served: toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children

From the state license. Ages it lists: Ages 1-6 years
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio, teacher qualifications and whether it accepts child care subsidies.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
Closed today
Licensed capacity
78 children

Hours

Hours

Monday8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayTodayNot listed
Hours it lists: “Academy class hours 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; Enrichment hours 1:00–3:00 p.m.; early drop-off 8:00–9:00 a.m. and extended care 3:00–4:00 p.m. available”

Programs

Programs and care

AgesToddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: Ages 1-6 years
ProgramsPre-K, preschool, summer camp and toddler care
ApproachPlay-based
MoreFounded 2005
Licensed capacity78 childrenFrom the state license
A daycare without an item may still offer it; ask.

Cost

Tuition and costs

Kids First Early Learning Academy has not listed its tuition.

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.

State record

Inspection reports for Kids First Early Learning Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Child Care Center license
Capacity
78 children
Ages
Toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#001916761
See the state's record

Summary

10 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Jun 12, 2026: 1 rule cited

Rules cited on 9 of 10 visits · 17 rules in all

  • Building, equipment and play areas 5
  • Health, medication and illness 4
  • Safety and hazards 2
  • Records and paperwork 1
  • Discipline and child guidance 1
  • Other rules 4

For comparison: 97% of Missouri daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 11.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 10 visits
  1. Jun 12, 2026Inspection1 rule cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports

  2. May 15, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports

    • Records and paperwork

      5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports

  3. Nov 20, 2025Inspection2 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

    • Discipline and child guidance

      5 CSR 25-500.182 Child Care Program

  4. Jun 6, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports

  5. May 13, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
    • Health, medication and illness

      5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports

  6. Nov 4, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

    • Safety and hazards

      5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

  7. Oct 8, 2024Inspection2 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

    • Safety and hazards

      5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

  8. Jun 12, 2024Inspection3 rules cited
    • Other rules

      5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

    • Other rules

      5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements

  9. May 22, 2024Inspection3 rules cited
    • Other rules

      5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements

    • Building, equipment and play areas

      5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers

    • Other rules

      5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements

  10. Nov 29, 2023InspectionNo rules cited

Copied from Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood on October 2, 2026; the state's records start around Oct 2023. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Kids First Early Learning Academy

Is Kids First Early Learning Academy licensed?

Yes. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Kids First Early Learning Academy last inspected?

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood lists the most recent visit on June 12, 2026, with 1 rule cited. It lists 10 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Kids First Early Learning Academy had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 17 rules across 9 of 10 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 97% of Missouri daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 11. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

How many children can Kids First Early Learning Academy care for?

78, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

What are Kids First Early Learning Academy's hours?

Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Kids First Early Learning Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (417) 887-2151 to ask.

What is Kids First Early Learning Academy's phone number?

(417) 887-2151.

Where is Kids First Early Learning Academy?

1507 E Lark St, Springfield, MO 65804. The nearest other daycare we list is Kids Inn Child Care Center, under 0.1 miles away.

Sources: Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood (license and visits).