Our Mission

The mission of Clayton Child Center is to provide exceptional, educational programs to help children develop the physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills they need to realize their full potential.

All Center programs provide a nurturing, safe and educational environment focused on assisting children with developing a positive self-image. Programs use developmentally appropriate curriculum and customized instruction to provide children with a well-balanced education.

Our History

Executive Director, Barbara E. Geno, Ed.D., founded Clayton Child Center, Inc., in 1980 because she saw a need in the community for an education-based, high quality child care program focused on meeting the developmental and social needs of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The preschool program opened in September 1980 at 7501 Maryland Avenue in Clayton. The Infant/Toddler center opened in 1983 in the Gay School building in Clayton. In 1990, the I/T Center moved to its present location in Oak Knoll Park.

In 2004, Clayton Child Center, Inc., received full accreditation from ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States). This nationally recognized organization promotes the development of strong learning communities characterized by high achievements and social responsibility. The Infant/Toddler program is one of only a few known infant programs in the United States to be accredited as a private school.

In 2009, the Center moved its Preschool and Academy programs to the former St. Luke's Parish School at 1414 Bellevue Avenue. In 2010, the Center was voted Best Preschool in St. Louis by Nickelodeon's ParentsConnect community.