Kids First Early Learning Academy

My 3-year-old daughter absolutely LOVES Kids First! I originally enrolled her because it was the only preschool with availability in early August (we had just moved to the area and weren't able to enroll anywhere sooner). They had been full since spring, but had a last-minute dropout. Boy did we get lucky! Leah (the director) is the sweetest, most accommodating person you will ever meet. All of the teachers, even the ones who don't teach my daughter specifically, know her by name and greet her when we enter the building. Speaking of the teachers, they all have been there for many years so they form long-term relationships with the kids. They are truly mother figures to the children in their care. There also is a very, very low teacher to student ratio; there were two teachers to nine children in my daughter's 2-year-old class, and this upcoming year there will be two teachers to 12 children, all the way until she "graduates" to kindergarten. Another plus is that this preschool program is actually a preschool, whereas many other preschools in Springfield are part of a larger daycare and don't seem as intimate, educational, etc. Just my impression. I have brought my daughter to other programs this summer and she begs me not to leave. At Kid's First, she can't jump into her class fast enough. If you are looking for a quality preschool for your child, I highly recommend this one! Only complaint is that they don't have a summer program-- that would be awesome!

I cannot say enough good things about Kids First. We were looking for a true pre-school (not a daycare) and Kids First fit the bill. All of the teachers and staff are amazing - very loving and patient with the kids, but also focused on their education and development. My 3-year-old wakes up every day and asks me excitedly "Do I get to go to preschool today?" She just adores it! And we've seen great progress in our daughter's social and academic development since she started at Kids First. We'll be sending our younger son as well as soon as he is old enough to start the 2-3 year old class.

My baby loves it here! She has learned so much, and all of the teachers communicate regularly. I couldn't ask for a better place.