EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM OF THE YEAR
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program of the Year Awards recognize outstanding Pre-K programs throughout Missouri.
MSBA’s FutureBuilders Foundation celebrates the many impressive achievements of local districts that provide quality early childhood instruction, regardless of district size. Winning programs are selected in each of three categories (small, medium, and large-size districts) based on a district’s overall student population. The winners are then invited to attend MSBA’s Annual Conference in the fall for celebration and recognition.
Note: If your district has won an ECE award in the last three years (2022, 2023, or 2024), we ask you to defer from reapplying to increase opportunities for acknowledgment.
The 2025 ECE Programs of the Year Award Applications are accepted from March 31 through June 6, 2025.
Previous Winners
2024: Small – Fordland R-III; Midsize – Warrensburg R-VI; Large – Ritenour
2023: Small – Lone Jack C6; Midsize – DeSoto 73; Large – Blue Springs R-IV
2022: Small – Crystal City 47; Midsize – Maplewood Richmond Heights; Large – North Kansas City 74
2021: Small – Spokane R-VII; Midsize – Dunklin R-V; Large – Columbia Public Schools
2020: Small – Northeast Nodaway Count R-V; Midsize – El Dorado Springs R-II; Large – Riverview Gardens
2019: Small – Grandview RII, Jefferson C 123; Midsize – Dunklin R-V; Large – Branson R-IV
2018: Small – Everton R-II; Midsize – Orchard Farm R-V; Large – Mehlville R-IX
2017: Small – Van Buren R-I; Midsize – Farmington R-VII; Large – Independence 30
2016: 1st – Springfield Public Schools; 2nd – Mehlville R-IX; 3rd – Raytown C-2
2015: 1st – Northwest R-I; 2nd – Jefferson City Public Schools; 3rd – Ozark R-VI
2014: 1st – Belton 124; 2nd – Mehlville R-IX; 3rd – Ava R-I
2013: 1st – Nixa Public Schools; 2nd – Jefferson City Public Schools; 3rd – Kirksville R- III
2012: 1st – Pattonville R-III; 2nd – Nixa Public Schools; 3rd – Park Hill
2011: 1st – Francis Howell R-III; 2nd – Lee’s Summit R-VIII; 3rd – Belton 124
2010: 1st – Webster Groves; 2nd – Maplewood-Richmond Heights; 3rd – Nixa Public Schools
