Since its opening in 1980, Clayton Child Center Inc. has continuously offered superior developmental educational experiences through its Infant/Toddler Center and Preschool. With the successful data derived from these programs, our Board of Directors made the decision to open a private elementary school. Clayton Academy opened in September 1991, with over 40 children. High educational standards for teachers as well as high educational standards for our children and families have continued. We continue to evaluate and develop programs for children.
Presently, Clayton Child Center Inc. serves children from six weeks to fifteen years of age through its three programs:
- Infant/Toddler Center at #1 Oak Knoll, St. Louis, MO 63105
- Preschool at 1414 Bellevue, St. Louis, MO 63117
- Clayton Academy at 1414Bellevue, St. Louis, MO 63117
Highlights of Clayton Child Center, Inc
o Late 70’s Barbara E. Geno, as an employee of the Clayton School District, gives lunch time seminars to Clayton Businesses on parenting issues.
o Seminars identify need for a quality education based child care program in Clayton.
o Under recommendation of Earl Hobbs, superintendent of Clayton Schools, Barbara approached the Clayton Chamber of Commerce about need.
o Stuart Zimmerman, President of Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Karen Hopper, Executive Director of Chamber and other Chamber members support development of program.
o The not for profit corporation, Clayton Child Center, Inc. is register in April of 1980 with Stuart Zimmerman and President of Board. Board is made up of members from Clayton businesses, community leaders and Clayton School district.
o Barbara Geno was hired as Executive Director and given a year sabbatical from Clayton School District. Five Clayton Banks form bank consortium to loan Clayton Child Center start up costs. Judy Oates designs classrooms and logo.
o Program opens in September 1980 in rented space from Clayton School district at 7501 Maryland.
o In 1983 Infant/Toddler program opens in rented space from school district. Again Clayton Banks join together to make financing available.
o Infant/Toddler program became first child care center to offer the state of Missouri’s “Parents as Teachers” program in a child care center.
o In 1985 Clayton Child Center, Barbara Geno and Jake Reby are asked to present at then Governor of Arkansas Bill Clinton governors Conference on child care as the first successful consortium.
o The city of Clayton awards the Oak Knoll building to house Infant/Toddler Program after Center loses lease from school district. Again Clayton Banks come together to finance 2 million dollars of renovation with Industrial Bonds.
o In 1990, 10th Anniversary is celebrated with opening of new Infant/Toddler Site and the offering of a community wide lecture featuring Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, nationally noted pediatrician and author.
o In 1991 Clayton Child Center opened Clayton Academy an independent, elementary school committed to providing a well-rounded education through customized teaching in small group settings.
o The second floor of Maryland site was renovated to house Clayton Academy in 1996.
o In 2000 the Clayton Chamber of Commerce gave the Cornerstone Award to Clayton Child Center for dedication and devotion to the Clayton community.
o In 2001 Clayton Academy embraces nationally renowned Schools Attuned program. Schools Attuned is based on the work of Dr. Mel Levine. Schools Attuned is a subsidiary of All Kinds of Minds, a private non-profit institute dedicated to the understanding of differences in learning.
o The summer of 2003 Clayton Academy offers the first mid west Schools Attuned Teacher Training Program.
o Programs are members of and accredited by National Academy of Early Childhood Program, Missouri Volunteer Accreditation, St. Louis Child Day Care Association, St. Louis Independent School Association and Independent School Association of the Central States.
o In 2004 Clayton Child Center, Inc. received full accreditation from ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States). A comprehensive and through self-study in which all aspects of the school’s program and practices were reviewed and discloser was included. The accreditation included a week long visit by a team consisting of ISACS peer teachers and administrators for the purpose of observing congruence between mission and program. CCC meeting the criteria made the Infant/Toddler program the only ISACS accredited infant program.
In March of 2009 Clayton Child Center's Preschool and Clayton Academy moved to there newly renovated space at 1414 Bellevue, Richmond Heights, MO. The space allows for bright, large classrooms with an opportunity for expansion with a proposed addition of gym space.