Hilltop Child & Family Development Center

I cannot say enough good things about Hilltop Child and Family Development Center. It is highly regarded, highly rated, and highly recommended for their commitment to excellence. Hilltop has open windows that allow you to see into the classroom and observe the learning that is happening. The staff are friendly, welcoming, work well together, and are nurturing to children. The staff and director know the enrolled children, siblings, and their parents by name and are invested in their lives, frequently asking about school, extracurricular events, or praising them on their successes. Hilltop administrators and staff collaborate with others in the community to ensure that the needs of each family are met. They help with accessing resources, providing health screenings, offering parenting support, and providing behavioral health services. They welcome outside therapists into their facility to provide therapy to children with developmental delays. They also support children with special needs and do it well! I have watched several staff members offer their personal time and resources to go above and beyond to help children and families in their program. There is a "sharing shelf" in the facility where families can get free clothing, shoes, toys, etc. I appreciate the male teachers who serve as excellent role models for young children who may not have male figures in their lives. Staff receive ongoing training and education on relevant topics to help them better support the children and families in their care. They meet families where they are and support them throughout their time at Hilltop. Hilltop's curriculum is age and developmentally appropriate and their activities align with the standards for Early Head Start, Head Start, and the Missouri Early Learning Standards. They are a licensed and accredited center and children leave Hilltop well prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Hilltop is always full of happy sounds. The children are happy to be at daycare and oftentimes, do not want to leave. The facility has an abundance of toys, learning materials, open learning spaces, opportunities for sensory play and exploration, space for indoor gross motor play, and an exceptional playground. Finally, Julie, the director, goes above and beyond for her families. Her "work hours" extend far beyond the time the doors to the daycare are open. She demands excellence from her staff and models it for them. She is hands on in the classroom if the teachers need help and she advocates for what is right for the children in her care. The safety, health, and well-being of the children enrolled in her center is her biggest priority! Her longevity with the program is a testament to her dedication and commitment to children and families and her program is a reflection of it. If you are in search of quality childcare in a loving, nurturing, and inclusive environment, I would without hesitation suggest that you visit Hilltop to begin your child's learning journey!

🚨Abuse🚨This center USE TO BE a good place for children, that is no longer, they abuse children and the director Julie is aware of it and allows it and tries to hide it to protect their reputation …I started my son here in February, a few weeks later I walked in to his teacher ( Kesha) pushing him…reported it to the director they did nothing and tried to blame it on my 3 year old son behavior. He is also speech delayed so he can’t express himself I have recently discovered there is still some abuse going on…they will definitely hide anything that happens in this School and paint you and your child as the problem so if you love your child I strongly advise you not to take him here. my son will no longer go to this school and I hope to alert everyone of this. Anyone who has the children here be proactive and ask your child have they been abused cause my son is not the only one.

This daycare center is the best. The staff are experienced, caring, and take great care of the kids. The director, Julie, works tirelessly to create a safe and loving environment.

The center and everyone that works there are amazing with years of experience. Welcomes you with open arms. Everyone knows who belongs to who..no complaints ion my end. I have been a Hilltop parent for about 5 years now!!!

The staff care so much about the kiddos at Hilltop. They are all professional and you know they care for the kids. Highly recommend!