The Family Center is the early childhood and family resource component for the School District of Clayton. We opened our doors in 1975 out of a commitment to support the growth, development and well being of parents and children in our community. This public school program model of parenting and early childhood education has inspired many similar programs in the St. Louis area and throughout the country.

Families participate in an array of programs offered. 

• Early Childhood Education: We offer a full early childhood preschool program for children 15 months through kindergarten entry.
• Parenting Workshops: We offer workshops for parents of children 0-18 years of age, on a range of topics from toddler tantrums to the tricky teen years. We read and discuss topics of interest, frequently based on books from our extensive parenting library.
• Parent Coaching: We offer short-term parent coaching for families who could use a neutral, compassionate ear and some fresh parenting strategies.
• Parents as Teachers: This is a free program for parents and children prenatal through kindergarten entry. A parent educator will visit you in your home or at the Family Center to discuss parenting questions, offer community resources and share developmental information to prepare you for upcoming milestones. PAT also offers annual developmental screening and fun family events.
• Stay, Play and Learn: This playtime for parents, grandparents, caregivers and children ages birth to kindergarten entry meets in our open and airy playroom full of places to climb, draw, pretend, paint, build with blocks, make friends and much more!
• Early Childhood Special Education: The School District of Clayton provides free and appropriate education to children identified as eligible according to the MO state education plan.

The Clayton School District is a PK-grade 12 school district. Our early childhood curriculum is linked to the District elementary curriculum. Family Center staff members serve on District curriculum, professional development and leadership committees.