Ozark Early Learning Center
Daycare and Preschool Pricing and Payments
Daycare, Preschool, and Pre-K:
Investing in Your Child's First Five Years
There are few decisions you’ll make as a parent that matter more than where your child spends their day.
Whether you’re looking for baby daycare, a toddler learning center, a Christian preschool in Ozark, or a pre-K program to prepare your child for kindergarten, you’re investing in much more than childcare. You’re choosing the people who will encourage your child, celebrate milestones with them, comfort them when they need reassurance, and help them discover something new every single day.
At Ozark Early Learning Center, we believe those precious early years deserve exceptional teachers, a safe and nurturing environment, and opportunities to learn through play, friendships, and faith. That’s why we try to keep our tuition for our early childhood programs as competitive as possible. Experience the care, consistency, and quality that families have trusted since 1978 with Ozark Early Learning Center, an affordable childcare and preschool option in the Springfield, Missouri, area.
Discover information on pricing and payments, as well as what is included in your affordable daycare and preschool tuition in Ozark, MO.
What Does Daycare and Preschool Cost?
The most common questions parents ask are, “How much does daycare cost per week?” and “What is the price of preschool near me?” View our transparent age-based pricing and tuition chart for updated costs for our baby care and toddler care classes, early learning programs, and pre-K programs.
Age
Enrollment
Weekly Rate
Monthly Rate
1-2 Year Olds
Full-Time (FT)
$223
$966
3-5 Year Olds (not potty-trained)
Full-Time (FT)
$223
$966
3-5 Year Olds (potty-trained)
Full-Time (FT)
$198
$858
3-5 Year Olds (not potty-trained)
Part-Time (PT)
$177
$767
3-5 Year Olds (potty-trained)
Part-Time (PT)
$144
$624
Every family has different childcare needs, which is why Ozark Early Learning Center offers both full-time and part-time preschool options. Whether you’re looking for dependable care throughout the workweek or a three-day preschool schedule, your child will enjoy the same trusted childcare providers and teachers, engaging early learning programs, and a fun and safe environment every day we have the pleasure of caring for them. Our goal is to provide flexible, affordable childcare in Ozark, Missouri, without compromising the quality of care or education your child receives.
What Is Included with My Local Pre-K, Daycare, or Preschool Tuition?
When you compare daycare cost, preschool tuition, or pre-K pricing in the Ozark, Nixa, Highlandville, Sparta, and Springfield region and surrounding areas, we also believe it’s important to understand what your tuition provides. At Ozark Early Learning Center, you gain experienced teachers who love your children, colorful, age-appropriate classrooms, engaging early learning and pre-K programs and curriculum, two meals per day plus snack, secure, fun facilities and activities, and a Christian learning environment designed especially for your child. Welcome to the inviting daycare and preschool where children are celebrated as they grow academically, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
All tuition includes:
✓ Caring, experienced directors, teachers, and caregivers who genuinely care about your child
✓ Faith-based early childhood education
✓ Age-appropriate curriculum and learning materials, activities, and play-based learning
✓ Breakfast, hot lunch, and afternoon snack each day
✓ Active social and physical learning with our indoor gym and expansive outdoor playground
✓ Brightwheel parent communication and online payments
✓ A safe, friendly facility designed with your child in mind
We Believe Great Childcare Should Be Attainable
Quality childcare should never feel out of reach for families who need it most. Ozark Early Learning Center is working toward becoming an approved Missouri Child Care Subsidy provider, creating additional opportunities for qualifying families to receive assistance with childcare costs.
The Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program
Eligible for Missouri child care assistance? Find out more about how to get help with daycare costs, who qualifies for the Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program, and how financial assistance can make high-quality childcare more affordable for your family.
Apply for Missouri Child Care Assistance
Applying for childcare assistance doesn't have to be overwhelming. Learn what information you'll need, how the application process works, and the steps to apply for Missouri Child Care Subsidy benefits. Applications are confidential.
Do You Qualify for Daycare Payment Assistance in Missouri?
Many working families qualify for state childcare assistance and don't even realize it. Explore the income guidelines, childcare assistance eligibility requirements, and common questions on help paying for daycare to see if your family qualifies.
Ozark Childcare Accepting Missouri State Assistance
Get a clear, easy-to-follow overview of Missouri’s Child Care Subsidy Program. This downloadable brochure breaks down how the program works and what families need to know when exploring financial help for childcare.
Daycare & Preschool Enrollment: Start the Conversation Today
When you contact our daycare, preschool, and pre-K, you will speak with someone who will learn about your child, answer your questions, and help you decide whether Ozark Early Learning Center is the right fit for your family.
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- Schedule a tour of our classrooms and facility
- Meet our teachers
- Learn about our daily routines
- Ask questions about daycare enrollment, preschool registration, or toddler and baby care enrollment
- Confirm pre-K, preschool, or daycare openings and availability, or choose to get on our waitlist
- Explore tuition and payment options
Most parents know within the first few minutes whether an early childhood center feels right.
We would love the opportunity to show you around and let you experience Ozark Early Learning Center as you make the best decision for your child and your family.
Explore Our Early Learning Programs
Quality childcare for baby, toddler, preschool & pre-K in Ozark, MO, and the surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pricing & Payments
Find answers to our most-asked questions about daycare and preschool pricing, tuition, payments, and related topics.
How much does daycare cost in Ozark, MO?
The cost of childcare in Ozark, MO, depends on your child’s age and classroom placement. At Ozark Early Learning Center, full-time tuition ranges from $198 to $223 per week, depending on age and attendance schedule, making us an affordable option for families looking for high-quality child care, baby daycare, toddler daycare, or preschool. Tuition includes meals, age-appropriate curriculum, daily learning activities, and a safe, nurturing environment led by an incredible, caring team.
Is Christian preschool more expensive than traditional daycare?
Christian vs. traditional preschool is not always more expensive. It truly depends on each childcare development center. We work hard to keep our Christian preschool tuition competitive with other childcare centers in the Ozark area. Families receive the benefits of faith-based education, experienced teachers, and a caring Christian environment while paying rates that remain affordable for many working families.
What's included in daycare and preschool tuition?
Your daycare tuition or preschool tuition includes much more than classroom instruction. From meals to hands-on learning, Bible stories, playground time, preschool curriculum, and more, your child will have access to everything they need during their days with us.
Is there a daycare or preschool enrollment fee?
Yes. A one-time, non-refundable $25 enrollment fee is added to your child’s first tuition payment. This fee helps reserve your child’s classroom placement and complete the daycare enrollment or preschool registration process.
When is preschool and daycare tuition due?
To make daycare payments and preschool tuition as convenient as possible, Ozark Early Learning Center offers weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payment options. Families can also make secure online payments through their Brightwheel parent account.
- Weekly Payments: Due every Monday by 4:00 p.m. for the current week of care, with a one-school-day grace period.
- Bi-Weekly Payments: Due every other Monday by 4:00 p.m. for the upcoming two weeks of care, with a one-school-day grace period.
- Monthly Payments: Due by the 1st of each month at 4:00 p.m., with a one-school-day grace period.
Providing flexible payment schedules helps families choose the option that best fits their budget while ensuring we can continue providing reliable, high-quality childcare, preschool, and early learning programs for every child. If you have questions about daycare tuition, payment schedules, or your account, our office is always happy to answer them.
Can I pay daycare or preschool tuition online?
Absolutely – in fact, it’s a great way to pay. Families can securely pay tuition through their Brightwheel parent account. Brightwheel also makes it easy to receive classroom updates, communicate with teachers, and stay connected throughout your child’s day.
What are your hours of operation?
Ozark Early Learning Center is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Our full-day schedule is designed to support working parents who need dependable full-time childcare in Ozark and the surrounding communities.
Do you offer part-time preschool?
Yes. We offer part-time preschool for children ages 3–5 through our three-day program, based on classroom availability. If you’re looking for flexible preschool enrollment or part-time daycare, we’d be happy to discuss the options that best fit your family’s schedule.
Are daycare, preschool, and pre-K meals included with tuition?
Yes, and our kitchen team is the best! Tuition includes breakfast, a hot lunch, and an afternoon snack every day. Providing meals helps simplify busy mornings for parents, getting your kids out the door quickly and easily, and ensuring children have the energy they need during the day to learn, play, and grow.
Do you accommodate food allergies or special dietary needs?
The health and well-being of every child is important to us. When a child has a food allergy or special dietary need, our staff works closely with parents or guardians to understand their child’s specific requirements and provide a safe, supportive environment. We communicate with families, follow any necessary instructions, and make every reasonable effort to accommodate allergy needs during meals and snacks. Our goal is for every child to enjoy mealtime safely while giving parents peace of mind knowing their child is well cared for.
What is your severe weather policy?
The safety of our children, families, and staff is always our highest priority. As a trusted childcare center in Ozark, MO, Ozark Early Learning Center closely monitors severe weather conditions and follows recommendations from local emergency officials to help keep everyone safe. Both our daycare and Ozark Assembly church staff work together during weather events, and our facility includes a designated storm shelter for children and staff when needed. Parents can rest easy knowing that safety is built into every part of our Christian daycare and early learning center.
If Ozark schools are closed because of bad weather, are you closed too?
We understand that even if school is closed, it does not necessarily mean that parents’ workplaces are closed. Whenever it is safe to do so, Ozark Early Learning Center remains open to continue serving working families who depend on reliable full-time childcare and daycare in the Springfield area. While we carefully monitor road conditions and weather forecasts, our goal is to provide dependable care whenever possible. If severe weather requires changes to our schedule, families are notified promptly through Brightwheel or other communication channels so they always have the latest information.
Do I need to pay for the days my full-time or part-time child is absent?
Payment is required for all days, even if your child is absent due to illness, vacation, or other reasons. This helps guarantee your child’s place in their classroom throughout the year. Once your child has been enrolled for six months, you are eligible for one week of unpaid tuition each year when a two-week notice of your child’s absence is provided to our office staff. The unpaid tuition week will be deducted based on your payment schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly). When Ozark Early Learning Center is closed due to holidays or inclement weather, tuition payment is still required.
Does Ozark Early Learning Center have a late payment policy?
To keep our care as consistent as possible, there are additional fees for late tuition payments.
- Late Fee: There is a $10.00 fee if payment is not received by the end of the grace period; $5.00 is charged for each additional late day up to two more school days.
- Suspension of Services: Accounts delinquent by more than three school days may result in dismissal until the balance is paid or a payment plan is arranged. Late fees will be included in the balance due.
- Returned Checks: There is a $35.00 fee for any returned check.
If you face financial hardship, there is an application to apply for a temporary delay in tuition payment. Please let us know sooner, rather than later. The OELC Board reviews all applications to determine eligibility.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
At this time, Ozark Early Learning Center does not offer sibling discounts. We regularly review our tuition to keep it competitive with other childcare and preschool programs in the Ozark area while continuing to invest in the people and resources that make OELC a great place for your children to grow and thrive.
Do you accept Missouri Child Care Subsidy?
Ozark Early Learning Center is currently working to become an approved provider for the Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program. Families who qualify for Missouri child care assistance may be eligible to receive help with daycare tuition, preschool tuition, and the cost of childcare in Ozark, MO. If you’re interested in applying, please let our director know. We’ll be happy to answer your questions, explain the process, and help you prepare for enrollment. Any conversations regarding tuition assistance or financial need are handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. See “We Believe Great Childcare Should Be Attainable” above for more information.