Timeless & Trustworthy
Since 1934, Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center has been dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality care and education that helps children and families thrive — today and for generations to come.
About Us:
Welcome to Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center! For more than 90 years, we’ve proudly served Columbia families with a deep commitment to quality early childhood education and care.
Our center is guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees — community members who share a passion for helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. Ensuring that every child receives care and education that meets the highest standards.
We provide programs for children ages six weeks to six years, with tuition based on a sliding scale to keep care affordable for all families. Government subsidies are also available to those who qualify.
Conveniently located in the heart of the Benton-Stephens neighborhood, Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center is easily accessible from anywhere in Columbia — a place where every family is welcomed and every child’s potential is celebrated.
Join the team
Our Child Care Staff in Columbia, MO
All classroom staff at MLJCLC have taken at least one college-level class in child development. At a minimum, lead teachers at MLJCLC have obtained their Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, and most have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood education or a related field.
At MLJCLC, professional development is a priority. All classroom staff attend at least 18 hours of training programs and seminars each year. Every staff member has passed a criminal background check by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and a Child Abuse/Neglect Screening by the Missouri Division of Family Services. Building strong, positive relationships between the staff, children, and families is one of the most important things we do at MLJCLC.
Meet our Child Care Board of Directors
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Executive Members:
President: Grace Johnston Elder
Vice President: Karen Kelly
Treasurer: Stacy Peters
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Board Members:
Phebe La
Theresa Swisher
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Friends of the Board:
Susan Barlow, Boone County National Bank
Ed Musterman, VP Commercial Lender at First State Community Bank
Johnston Paint and Decorating
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Application Information:
A great way to serve the community you live in is to serve on a board. We welcome people with a passion for early childhood and skills to contribute to apply for our board! If you are interested in applying to be an active Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center Board Member complete the application and return to Megan Geiger, Program Director at samanthag@mljclc.net or mail directly to MLJCLC, 1509 Hinkson Avenue. Columbia MO 65201.
Enrollment at our Child Care Center
Enrollment at Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Center is open to any child from 6 weeks of age until kindergarten entry. Because of our high quality programming and affordability, there is a demand for child care slots at MLJCLC. If you are interested in child care options at MLJCLC, we encourage you to download an application by clicking here: Enrollment Form/Waitlist Form. You can bring it in or fax it to 573-875-1535.
If you have questions or would like assistance from the MLJCLC staff, please contact us at 573-449-5600 or Samanthag@mljclc.net
Applications for enrollment are accepted without regard to income level, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, disability/handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Tuition
Tuition is due the Friday before the week. We do take state subsidy and have temporary scholarships.
Weekly Tuition Rates
Infant and Toddlers (0-3) $350
Preschool and Pre-K (3-6) $285
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!