About
A LITTLE ABOUT USOur Mission
WHAT WE STAND FOR
Laugh & Learn Children’s Center will provide a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment for children to flourish. We are committed to serving families by providing quality child care and an encouraging educational experience while promoting social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
Our Vision
TEACHING THE PROFESSIONALS OF TOMORROW
By excelling as an early childhood development center in the delivery of quality child care and educational services, Laugh & Learn Children’s Center will ensure your children have a safe place to achieve their maximum potential.
Our Vision
TEACHING THE PROFESSIONALS OF TOMORROW
By excelling as an early childhood development center in the delivery of quality child care and educational services, Laugh & Learn Children’s Center will ensure your children have a safe place to achieve their maximum potential.
Our Core Values
LEADING WITH UNCOMPROMISING VALUES
Integrity - Uncompromising principle; honesty; steadfast adherence to a strict ethical code.
Character - Committed to respecting all people and to providing services in a fair, consistent and impartial manner to the best of our ability.
Compassion - Concern with human welfare; ability to appreciate feelings or emotions of others.
Respect - Fairness without prejudice; appreciation for diversity.
Responsibility - Accountability; trustworthiness; use of good judgement.
Professionalism - High standards; dedicated to our mission; unified in purpose.
Character - Committed to respecting all people and to providing services in a fair, consistent and impartial manner to the best of our ability.
Compassion - Concern with human welfare; ability to appreciate feelings or emotions of others.
Respect - Fairness without prejudice; appreciation for diversity.
Responsibility - Accountability; trustworthiness; use of good judgement.
Professionalism - High standards; dedicated to our mission; unified in purpose.
Our Facilities
PROVIDING AN ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STUDENTS TO GROW & EXCEL
Our newly constructed facility opened in January 2020. Because we designed our facility we were able to incorporate advanced security and safety systems while maintaining a family feel. Our facility is equipped with:
A direct reporting commercial fire system
A large concrete safe room
A video surveillance system
A separate self-sufficient infant room
A separate preschool room
We always strive to maintain staffing ratios above what is required by state law.
A direct reporting commercial fire system
A large concrete safe room
A video surveillance system
A separate self-sufficient infant room
A separate preschool room
We always strive to maintain staffing ratios above what is required by state law.
Meet the Owners
JASON & AMY MCTHEENEY
The McTheeneys have a passion for, and strive to provide families with, the highest quality licensed childcare and educational experience in Caldwell County.
With limited child care options available for their own children, Amy began keeping four children out of her home in 2012. She quickly realized there was a tremendous need for quality child care and decided to become a state licensed provider in 2016. As time went on, it was abundantly clear that we had out grown our space and there was still an overwhelming need in our community for child care. In May 2019, the McTheeneys broke ground on a new home where the entire walkout basement would serve as a dedicated space for child care. Operations at the new facility began in January 2020, where they continue to operate today.
Amy serves as the Director and manages the day-to-day operations. She strives to make decisions that create an environment for young children to thrive and achieve their first milestones by building a solid foundation to become lifelong learners. Jason has been employed by the state of Missouri since 2004 and manages the financial aspects of the business. We are excited for you and your family to be a part of our story as we continue in our journey to provide quality child care.
With limited child care options available for their own children, Amy began keeping four children out of her home in 2012. She quickly realized there was a tremendous need for quality child care and decided to become a state licensed provider in 2016. As time went on, it was abundantly clear that we had out grown our space and there was still an overwhelming need in our community for child care. In May 2019, the McTheeneys broke ground on a new home where the entire walkout basement would serve as a dedicated space for child care. Operations at the new facility began in January 2020, where they continue to operate today.
Amy serves as the Director and manages the day-to-day operations. She strives to make decisions that create an environment for young children to thrive and achieve their first milestones by building a solid foundation to become lifelong learners. Jason has been employed by the state of Missouri since 2004 and manages the financial aspects of the business. We are excited for you and your family to be a part of our story as we continue in our journey to provide quality child care.
Meet Our Staff
Ashley has worked in childcare since 2018 and has always had enjoyed working with children. She joined the Laugh & Learn team in August 2022 after moving to Hamilton. Ashley was born and raised in Platte City. She enjoys, riding horses and spending time with her family.
Rebecca (Becca) Bentley is a 2022 graduate of Penney High School. She is currently enrolled at Missouri Western University in St. Joseph. Becca is pursuing a degree in elementary education. She enjoys reading, walking and spending time with her boyfriend Ryan Cook.
Alizah is a 2022 graduate of Penney High School, and she joined our staff in December 2022. She is attending NCMC and pursuing a degree in the education field. Alizah enjoys working with children and is excited for the opportunity to work with young kids at Laugh & Learn. She enjoys reading, writing and hiking in her free time.
Addisyn is a 2018 graduate of Penney High School and she joined our staff in April 2020. Previously, she worked at a licensed child care facility in St. Joseph while attending Missouri Western State University. Addisyn's sincere affection for children is apparent.