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Our mission is to give back to the community and support families by providing children with a nurturing environment and the highest level of care.

A Better Level of Care

Family-owned and operated right here in Columbia, Missouri — Nanny’s Early Learning Center is committed to providing a higher level of support and childcare than the larger chain services.

At Nanny’s, we strive to create a safe and enriching environment for every child — because our students deserve the best, and because we care.

Our Vision

To educate every child who walks through our doors, with a strong foundation, so that he will be a successful, smart, gracious, and acceptable member of society.

Our Purpose

To offer exceptional childcare and preschool teaching, at an affordable rate.

Mission Statement

We become the “Village” of support for our students and their families.

Core Values

Compassion
Honesty
Individuality
Education
Fun

Our School

Our newly-renovated facility gives kids a spacious and safe environment for healthy physical and social development.

With small classes, designated outdoor play areas, and private break rooms for breastfeeding mothers, every child is assured the space they need to learn, play and grow.

Discover the difference at Nanny’s Early Learning Center.

Missouri Accreditation focuses on the quality of physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth opportunities available to children. With training and certification beyond the state licencing level, Nanny’s Early Learning Center is fully Missouri Accredited to offer a higher standard of education and care.

Programs
Jumpstart (+)

Nanny’s Early Learning Center is proud to partner with the University of Missouri to provide students at both institutions with reading and educational opportunities through the Jumpstart program. 

A national early education organization that partners preschools with college volunteers, Jumpstart helps children to develop the language and literacy skills they need to succeed throughout their academic career. Since 1993, Jumpstart has trained over 45,000 college students and community volunteers to transform the lives of nearly 100,000 children nationwide. From October through May, Nanny’s students can look forward to regular one-on-one mentoring and reading time with dedicated MU students. 

Math & Reading Program (+)

Starting in the fall of 2019, we will host our first Math and Reading Club. These clubs will be held twice a month on separate week days, in the evening time. This opportunity will be available to our 4 and 5 year old students at no extra charge. 

Math Club –

During this club, students will engage in games, activities, and different learning lessons to help them further prepare for Kindergarten.

Reading Club –

 In this club, students will engage in games, group reading, activities, and different learning lessons to build their comprehension and give them a jumpstart on reading before Kindergarten.  

Grandparent Readers (+)

Our Grandparent Readers program helps promote a lifelong love of learning and exposes kids to theme-based readings with former Columbia teachers. With vibrant costume-and-prop-filled readings, our kids can improve vocabulary and cognition skills while exercising a playful imagination.

Family Events (+)

We will host several family events throughout the year. Some of the events are as follows:

  • Munch N’ Read
  • Messy Night
  • Math Night
  • Game Night
  • Sports Events
  • Holiday Parties
  • Play Groups
  • And much more

Events will take place during the day, after hours, and on weekends. We highly encourage all families to participate so that your children feel their school is important and get time to connect with you.

Philosophies
Ages & Stages (ASQ) Questionnaires (+)

Ages & Stages Questionnaires are a simple and effective screening tool to help determine the development progress of young students.

Backed by nearly four decades of research and data, our teachers use regular testing and evaluation to:

  • Understand each child’s specific needs
  • Develop lesson plans
  • Assess student progress
  • Improve in weak areas
  • Become better prepared for kindergarten, grade school and beyond
Kindergarten Readiness (+)

Missouri early learning goals are fundamental state guidelines on the learning skills students should demonstrate before they are ready for kindergarten.

At Nanny’s we work with students to develop and refine these skills every day to help prepare kids for school interaction and engagement. It’s our goal not just to prepare students for kindergarten but to start every child’s educational journey off on the right foot.  

HighScope Curriculum (+)

Our students are encouraged to explore, interact, and engage their creative imaginations through active and purposeful play with an emphasis on child-centered learning.

A HighScope Curriculum provides specific learning objectives based on each child’s individual development level. By planning activities and assessing their own progress, kids learn while having fun in an enriching environment.

Nanny’s Daily Nutrition Program

We put a lot of care into every meal so parents can rest assured their child will always receive a healthy and nutritious meal.

Our meal program encourages a diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy whole grains and proteins to give active kids the energy they need to play, learn, and grow.

We work closely with parents to make sure we cater to the dietary needs, allergies, and restrictions of every student. In accordance with state guidelines, our kids experience a meal plan limited in sugar, sodium, and saturated fat to promote quality nutrition, education, and life-long healthy eating habits.

Diane’s Story

Hello, I am Diane Patrick-Coleman, and I am the Owner and Executive Director of Nanny’s Early Learning Center. Nanny’s ELC became a reality on November 1, 2004. I began planning, designing, and collaborating with others in the early months of 2003. To see my dream become a reality is truly a blessing from God.

My story begins when I was told by my three daughters, that I could expect 3 grandchildren in the year of 2000. At that time I was employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Columbia, MO, as a Registered Nurse. I had devoted sixteen years to the VA Hospital, and the desire to be a major part of my grandchildren’s early care became the reason I resigned from the VA Hospital and stepped out on faith to become a first generation entrepreneur.

I first started a home daycare, being licensed for ten, increased my enrollment to eighteen, and then began turning away potential clients because I was full to capacity. The seed was then planted to expand my business. I enrolled at Moberly Area Community College, and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

With the help and support of my husband, Jimmy, our daughters, Ray, Shae, Tamika, Janel and Jalisa; along with my extended family, and devoted Realtor, Dawn McGhee, my plans for a childcare center became more than a dream. I purchased some property, had an existing house torn down and had a new building built, that I designed. Opening a childcare center in a low income part of Columbia where I grew up was a mission that I take pride in accomplishing. Being able to offer quality care at an affordable price was worth all of my struggles. My faith in God, strong will, and determination, were what allowed me to overcome the many roadblocks I experienced along the way.

The need to understand every aspect of operating a business, led me back to school. I enrolled at William Woods University, and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 2009.

My journey continues with the addition to the current building, being completed in 2019. To have the opportunity to provide a place of employment for so many individuals, and to offer quality childcare and support to the children and their parents who grace the doors of Nanny’s ELC is a blessing that I don’t take lightly. God granted me the knowledge to succeed in the path of Early Childhood, and for that I will always be grateful.

This is my story.

With love, Ms. Diane

Testimonials

  • Nanny’s Early Learning Center is very comforting and that’s what I like and they also do that one on one time with your child to let you know how it’s going, and how you can improve your child at the daycare by what you can do at home with them.

    - Raven Mundy

  • My girls have been attending Nanny’s for over 4 years. The employees at Nanny’s are god fearing, smart, respectful, friendly, loving, caring, and loyal. The employees aren’t just there for the check, they show all the children love. They treat your kids like their own children. They take care of any concerns you may have immediately. Overall they just do a great job with your children. I absolutely love this daycare and I would recommend this daycare to anyone looking for childcare.

    - LaKeisha Gross

  • My son started here about a year ago and from day one he has been excited to walk through the doors each morning. The teachers here are great and have positive attitudes no matter what. They really focus and learn about each kid, they communicate very well with parents, and keep you up to date about any events that may be going on or coming up at the facility and in the community. The kids here all seem to really enjoy the clean and fun atmosphere that they get while learning.

    - Amanda Wilson

  • I’ve worked at Nanny’s for 7 years….and I’ve never had a boss who goes above and beyond for their employees. Who is very dedicated and always has her doors open. Now my daughter goes there and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Everyone is helpful and a joy to be around.

    - Ciera Clark

  • From the very first time we visited Nanny’s, we have been so impressed by the staff’s friendliness. Our child is always greeted with a warm smile and it is so clear that the teachers and staff care deeply for each one of the kiddos. I know that if we have questions, they are always ready and willing to listen and help in whatever way they can. We’re so glad we came to Nanny’s!

    - Brooke Danielson

  • I feel really blessed because this has been the only daycare my son has enjoyed and loves coming to. It has also been the only place I feel comfortable dropping off.

    - Nalrah Dean

  • Diane is an impeccable director. Jalisa and Shae have definitely been cloned by her. Thanks for all that you have done for our family.

    - The Ritter Family

  • I recommend Nanny’s Early Learning Center. They have been nothing but good to my two children and I. They are very understanding, flexible, and willing to work with you. We appreciate you and your staff. Thank you!

    - Nicole Baskett

  • This daycare has been nothing but the best. The family oriented environment is what I love the most. My son is always excited to come in the morning and sometimes it’s hard to get him to leave. The staff/teachers are also great and work well with each child. I never go to pick up my son without seeing him with a smile on his face. Thank you all for everything.

    - Amanda Wilson

  • Nanny’s is a very good place for your child to learn many skills. The staff is wonderful and my child loves it. I recommend Nanny’s for your child care. I trust them with my child.

    - RF

  • As a teacher working at Nanny’s I have learned so much about family, friendship, professionalism, work ethics, and having supervisors who go over and beyond for their employees. Mrs. Diane, Ms. Jalisa, and Mrs. Shae go over and beyond for their staff, families whose children go here, and anyone they come into contact with. They don’t treat Nanny’s like a business, they treat it like a family first and I love them for that.  As a teacher and parent I wouldn’t want my children anywhere else. Thanks again Nanny’s Early Learning Center for loving me and my family and taking care of my children and so many other families. You are appreciated!

    - Corissa Mack