A Play-Based Preschool, Rooted in Nature
On three peaceful acres in Lawrence, your child will dig in the mud, chase bugs, build with blocks, and grow into a confident, capable kid...all before lunchtime.
Outdoor Play
Self-Help Skills
Social Skills
Empowered Learning
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Learning Happens Best When it's Joyful...and When it's Led by the Child.
At Little Preschool on the Prairie, we believe children are masters of creating their own meaningful learning when given the space and tools to do so. Our role is to guide when needed, but primarily to foster an environment where children can pave their own paths. We encourage taking "safe risks," by encouraging children to climb, roll, jump, swing, spin, build, etc., which helps them understand how their bodies exist in space. It also supports their understanding of how their bodies work which makes them more capable and is also a foundational piece for formal schooling later.
We are dedicated to nurturing their confidence, building it step-by-step so they can achieve things independently. You may be surprised to hear we do not emphasize academic subjects in the traditional sense. You won't see us doing flashcard drills, worksheets or reading groups. Instead, we focus on preserving childhood because we know its a sacred time for developing sense of self, building confidence, and finding joy in the every day.
Your child will still be ready for Kindergarten. We will set a strong foundation for formal schooling by developing core strength for sitting, fine motor skills for holding writing utensils, attention span for being present in activities/learning, and social skills for working with peers and adults. Most of all, we hope to instill and cultivate a love for learning.
Childhood is not a race, it's a journey...We celebrate that, recognizing children's diverse skills beyond letters and numbers.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Six Things You Won't Find at Every Preschool in Town
Truly Play-Based, Truly Outdoors
We're set on three acres, and we use them. Nature exploration isn't a once-a-week field trip here...it's part of daily life.
Built for Social and Emotional Growth
Our biggest strength as educators is helping kids build real relationships...with peers, with teachers, and with themselves. We work daily on empathy, communication, cooperation, and naming big feelings.
A Mixed-Age Classroom
Younger children learn by watching older peers model skills and language; older children build leadership and empathy by mentoring the little ones. It mirrors real family life...and the research backs it up.
The Longest Half-Day Morning in the Area
More learning time without the full-day commitment. And no, you don't need to stay and participate...drop off and go, or stay and play a while. Whatever suits your family.
Small Class Size, More Individual Attention
Although our license allows for up to 11 children, we will cap class size at 8 students. This allows us to have a big enough group to support multiple friendships without getting too big.
Lunch Bunch Included
Kids can stay through lunch at no additional cost...a longer, easier morning for you, without an extra fee.
A DAY AT LITTLE PRESCHOOL ON THE PRAIRIE
Discover the Exciting and Enriching Daily Rhythm Your Child Will Experience with Us...From Outdoor Activities to Structured Learning, Every Moment is Designed for Growth and Joy
Morning Outdoor Adventures
Your child's day begins with 45 minutes of invigorating outdoor play. This vital time allows children to connect with nature, develop gross motor skills, and engage in imaginative play in the fresh air, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
Snack and Self-Help Skills
After outdoor play, we transition indoors for essential self-help routines. Children will use the bathroom, wash their hands, and will be offered a snack, served family style whenever possible. These activities are designed to foster independence as well as build confidence, community and language skills.
Snacks will follow the child nutrition guidelines set by the state. Examples of snacks: cheese, crackers, cut fruit, carrot sticks, hummus, berries, muffins, smoothies, cucumbers, chips and salsa, popcorn.
Engaging Structured Learning
Following snack time, we engage in structured learning activities. Our curriculum is designed to empower children to learn through play, encouraging curiosity and cognitive development in an age-appropriate and fun environment.
Indoor Exploration and Social Growth
Next, children enjoy free play time inside, where they can explore different interests and engage with various learning centers. Opportunities to practice and learn social skills are woven into all aspects of our day together, promoting positive interactions, friendships, and language skills.
Second Outdoor Playtime and Departure
We conclude our day by heading back outside for another 45 minutes of outdoor play, ensuring at least 90 minutes of vital outdoor time. For children staying for lunch, we'll eat together, outdoors whenever possible, before the final pick-up at 12:30 PM.
Lunch Bunch
Lunch is its own kind of practice...passing things, taking turns, hearing about someone else's morning. Everyone's welcome to stay, and there's no extra charge.
OUR DAILY SCHEDULE
The Benefits of Our Half-Day Program
Our half-day program is thoughtfully designed to be the perfect length for young children. It provides ample time for engaging activities and learning, while also allowing them to be home in time for a nap or quiet time or time with family, supporting their overall well-being and development.
9:00
Drop Off
9:00 - 9:45
First Outside Block
9:45 - 10:00
Bathroom, Wash Hands, Snack
10:00 - 10:30
Structured Learning Block
10:30 - 11:15
Free Play
11:15 - 12:00
Second Outside Block
12:00
Pick Up (If Not Staying for Lunch)
12:00 - 12:30
Lunch
12:30
Final Pick Up
TUITION & FEES
Our Tuition and What it Includes
At Little Preschool on the Prairie, we believe in transparent pricing and providing exceptional value. Our monthly tuition covers a comprehensive preschool experience, designed to support your child's growth and development. We encourage everyone to enroll in the full 4 days to get the most out of the program but also recognize this might not work for all families and thus we also offer 2 or 3 day per week options.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly tuition for 4 days a week, Monday–Thursday | $325 per month |
| Monthly tuition for three days a week | $250 per month |
| Monthly tuition for two days a week | $175 per month |
| Schedule | Monday–Thursday preschool program from 9am–12pm daily, with an option to add lunch bunch for free. |
| Supplies | There is a one-time $25 supply fee. All classroom supplies are included in this fee. |
| Snacks | Snacks provided daily. |
| Deposit to hold spot | A $75 deposit is required to secure your child’s spot, which will be applied to your first month’s tuition. |
| Tuition due date | Tuition is due on the first of each month. A late fee will be applied for payments received after the 10th of the month, accruing daily until paid in full. |
MEET YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER
Laura Elder
Parents will have the pleasure of meeting and interacting with Laura, the dedicated teacher at Little Preschool on the Prairie. With her extensive background and genuine love for children, Laura creates a welcoming and enriching environment for all. Laura cherishes being a positive role model and cheerleader for children, helping them reach their full potential.
Laura has been married to her husband, Ben, for 16 years. Together they have 4 children: 1 in high school, 1 in middle school and twins in first grade. Laura loves animals, reading, organizing, baking, and of course teaching! She grew up in Olathe, KS then came to Lawrence for college and loved it so much she never left!
Experience and Passion in Education
Laura brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Kansas and has decades of experience working with young children. Her background includes teaching in public, private, and in-home classrooms.
At Hilltop CDC on KU's campus she's taught toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. She's also taught Kindergarten in a public school in Topeka, preschool and pre-kindergarten at LCNS in Lawrence, and first grade at a private school in Lawrence. Laura also successfully ran an in-home daycare and a Parents' Day Out program in Lawrence.
She truly loves helping children navigate this big world in a way that works for them, from slowly building self-help skills to teaching safe and healthy ways to manage conflict and social interactions with peers. Laura delights in seeing children's creative ideas, hearing their stories, and being a part of their world.
"Laura is a former school teacher which is glaringly obvious when you see the high quality of her program. It has taught my son and opened him up to so many things he would refuse to even try for me. There is outside time, stories, snack, art, music, sensory activities and free play among other things. My son is leaning concepts he will need and utilize in kindergarten. There have been some other specialists--speech therapist, preschool teacher etc. who came to observe my son at this program. They all came away thoroughly impressed with Laura and her program."
-- Julia P.
CHECK OUT OUR SPACE
The Little Preschool on the Prairie
We have everything your child needs to learn, play, explore, and thrive with their new friends!
SCHEDULE A TOUR
Come See it for Yourself
The best way to know if we're the right fit is to visit. Peek into the classroom,, check out the outdoor space, and meet the teacher who will be spending mornings with your child.
Tours are complimentary and take about 30 minutes. We offer rolling enrollment - children may join as soon as they turn 3, any time of year.
Prefer to talk first? Give us a call at (785) 256-0608.
Little Preschool on the Prairie
A play-based preschool on three acres in Lawrence, Kansas. Mixed-age classroom, rolling enrollment, age 3-6.
Contact
(785) 256-0608
laura@littleprairiepreschool.com
Copyright 2026, Little Preschool on the Prairie