Resources

Parents as Teachers is commitment to connect families to resources that help them reach their goals and address their parenting needs. 

 

Early Childhood Peer Model Program:  The Shawnee Mission School District’s Early Childhood Program is a unique opportunity for students with special needs to learn age-appropriate skills from their peers in a structured environment. Peers are an integral part of this program; they demonstrate skills such as following directions and using good manners during natural social interactions. We strive to provide all children enrolled in the program and their families a positive experience.

The Early Childhood Program is offered at the Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Education Center (6701 W 83rd St) Monday through Thursday from 8:10 – 10:55 or 12:25 – 3:10. The Early Childhood Program is not in session on Friday or any days the Shawnee Mission School District is not in session. Parents/guardians must provide transportation.

Click HERE to view the Shawnee Mission School District’s calendar for days not in session.PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO REVIEW THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD PEERS:

  • There is NO COST to families who participate in the Early Childhood Peer Program
  • Be a Shawnee Mission School District resident or have a parent or guardian working in the district
  • Be 3 or 4 years old
  • Be toilet-trained (no more than one accident within a two-week period)
  • Demonstrate independent self-help skills
  • Initiate play with other children
  • Be able to follow directions with minimal prompting
  • Speak using a minimum of three-word phrases with age-appropriate articulation
  • Understand concepts such as big/little, on/off, wet/dry
  • Attend the program consistently
  • Not be kindergarten-eligible (age five before September 1st, 2020)
  • Currently not receiving services on an IEP or IFSP
  • To register click HERE

Johnson County Kansas - The Department of Health and Environment

Our innovative leader for our community.  To protect the health, environment, and wellness of all who live in Johnson County.   

A Guide to Selecting Child Care Resources

Perinatal Mental Health

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County (Birth to 2.9 years of age)

Through a working partnership between families and the community, Infant Toddler Services fosters and coordinates the delivery of timely, comprehensive, quality services for children ages birth to 2.9 years of age who have developmental delays or disabilities.  Go to Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County for more information:  

Early Childhood Developmental Screening (3 to 5 years of age)

Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Education Center is home to developmental screenings. Early intervention will focus on a child's basic learning skills that typically develop during the first three years of life (physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional, and self-help). If you are concerned about your child's development, you may contact Deneen Rogge @ 913-993-1712 or click on the 2025-26 Shawnee Mission School District Early Childhood Screening Request Form HERE.   

2025-26  Pre-Kindergarten in Shawnee Mission

  • Students who are 4 years old by August 31 are eligible for enrollment
  • Students must meet state immunization requirements
  • Students must be independent with toileting
  • Students are enrolled in either the morning or afternoon sessions
  • Sessions are from 8:10 -10:55 a.m. or 12:25 - 3:10p.m.
  • Students may participate in either the school breakfast or lunch program
  • Access is on the first come, first served basis
  • Parents are responsible for transportation
  • For more information or register click HERE

Growing Futures Early Education Center, 8155 Santa Fe Drive, OP, KS  66204  913-649-9714  Growing Futures mission is to nurture children and strengthen families to enrich our community.  They provides early childhood services to low-income families in the Johnson County area.  Please visit the web site above by clicking on Growing Futures Early Education Center above.  To enroll: Click HERE

Car Seat Safety

Children's safety in their car seats is the law in every state.  This law provides the best protection for infants and young children.  Because installing children safety seats can be challenging,  a certified child passenger safety technician check your installation of your child's safety seat.

  • Technicians follow a standardized checklist to ensure that all aspects relative to the child, the card seat, and the vehicle seating location are explored
  • Expectant parents, grandparents, and childcare providers are encouraged to bring their car and booster seats to be checked.
  • If no events are schedule near you, contact your local police department and ask if they have a trained car seat safety technician.  
  • Many departments provide this service for free of charge. 
  • Learn more go to Safe Kids Johnson County:  HERE

Our program is part of the Kansas Parents as Teachers Association that provides leadership, professional development, and advocacy to build high quality home visiting programs through the State of Kansas. Our organization supports early childhood education with a parent education component.

Report Child Abuse & Neglect - If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please telephone the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330. Every call is taken seriously and every effort will be made to protect your identity. Telephone lines are staffed 24 hours a day.  In the event of an emergency contact your local law enforcement or call 911.  For more information click on link above.    

In Missouri call 1-800-392-3738

SafeLine Kansas - If you or a friend are suffering from physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse or verbal abuse, this free service can help. SafeLine in KS is a free and confidential support line, or call 1888-363-2287 or text SAFE to 847411.

The Period of PURPLE Crying:  The PURPLE Crying program supports parents and caregivers in their understanding of early increased infant crying, and reduce the incidence of Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma). Read more by clicking on the link above.

Reaperatura del Centro de Ropa del PTA SMAC - haga clich en el enlace)

Shawnee Mission Area Council PTA - Clothing Exchange

Johnson County Library Facebook Page

JoCoLibrary 6 by 6 - Have Fun with Books 

Sensational Storytime - October 11

Highly recommended books for Early Talkers (birth to 2 years) in the Johnson County Library:  

  • Noodle Conquers Comfy Mountain, by Graziano, Jonathan
  • The Smeds and the Smoos, by Donaldson, Julia
  • Twinkle, Twinkle, Winter Night, by Litwin, Megan
  • Chicken Story Time, by Asher, Sandy
  • The Yawnicorn, by Hamilton, Emily and so many more...

See this link for many more fun books for your children to enjoy! 

Spookfest2025_1 (PDF)

 

Other Resource Links: