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- Overview
- Programs
- Our Team
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About Special Beginnings Early Learning Center in Lenexa, KS
Special Beginnings Early Learning Center in Lenexa offers a warm and nurturing environment where young children can grow, explore, and thrive. Our mission is rooted in providing high-quality early childhood education within a loving, Christian-based setting.
We believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and engaged. Our curriculum blends structured learning with hands-on exploration, helping children build essential academic and social-emotional skills. Whether they’re learning to walk, share, read, or count, our students receive the individual attention they need to flourish at every stage.
Programs Offered
At Special Beginnings Lenexa, our programs are thoughtfully designed to meet the developmental needs of each age group. We believe in nurturing the whole child—socially, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually—through engaging, age-appropriate experiences. Each classroom offers a structured daily routine balanced with flexibility to support individual growth and curiosity.
Infant Care (6 weeks – 12 months)
Our infant program provides a safe, loving, and responsive environment where babies can thrive during their earliest months. Caregivers focus on creating secure attachments through gentle interactions, eye contact, and consistent routines. Activities include tummy time, sensory play, and story time, all tailored to support physical milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling, as well as early communication and social bonding. Parents receive daily updates on feedings, naps, and milestones to stay closely connected to their child’s progress.
Toddlers (1 – 2½ years)
Toddlers are naturally curious and eager to explore, and our program is built to channel that energy into meaningful growth. We introduce language development, self-help skills, and social learning through guided play and hands-on experiences. Daily activities include music and movement, group story time, art projects, and outdoor play. Our educators help toddlers build confidence and independence while fostering routines that promote cooperation, empathy, and early problem-solving.
Preschool (2½ – 4 years)
In the preschool classroom, children experience a rich learning environment that blends structured lessons with open-ended exploration. The curriculum introduces foundational academics in literacy, math, science, and early writing, while also placing a strong emphasis on social-emotional skills like sharing, turn-taking, and expressing emotions appropriately. Children learn through play-based centers that encourage creativity, teamwork, and a love of learning. Daily circle time, thematic units, and group projects prepare students for the routines and expectations of Pre-K.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-K program is designed to ensure children are academically and socially ready for kindergarten. Through small-group instruction, hands-on activities, and guided learning centers, children build strong early literacy and numeracy skills. Phonemic awareness, letter recognition, early reading, counting, patterns, and problem-solving are woven into daily lessons. The program also emphasizes listening skills, attention span, and collaboration—essential tools for a smooth transition to elementary school. Enrichment in art, music, and science keeps learning joyful and well-rounded.
School Age (Before & After School)
For children in kindergarten through elementary grades, we offer before and after-school care that complements their school day. Our structured environment provides time and space for homework completion, creative activities, games, and physical play. Whether children need a quiet place to focus or an engaging outlet to wind down, our school-age program meets them where they are. Transportation to and from select area schools may be available for convenience.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp program brings fun and learning together in an exciting, theme-based format. Campers enjoy a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, creative projects, STEM experiments, water play, and special visitors. Weekly themes—like “Nature Explorers,” “Space Adventures,” or “Art Around the World”—keep kids engaged and curious. Designed for school-age children, the program offers a memorable way to keep minds active and friendships growing during the summer months.
Why Families Choose Us
- A safe, welcoming setting that blends care with education
- Hands-on curriculum designed to support all learning styles
- Focus on social-emotional development alongside academics
- Clean, healthy classrooms with trained, caring staff
- Commitment to consistency, communication, and excellence in early learning
Visit Us Today
Choosing the right early learning center is a big decision—one that shapes your child’s development and your family’s peace of mind. We invite you to come see firsthand what makes our Lenexa centers so special.
During your visit, you’ll explore our bright and inviting classrooms, meet our passionate teachers, and experience our warm, community-oriented environment. Whether you’re seeking infant care, preschool, or school-age programs, our staff is here to answer your questions and help you feel confident about your child’s next step.
Come discover a place where children are known, loved, and inspired every day. We look forward to welcoming your family.
Programs Offered
Our Team
Anne Kohnle
Senior School Director
Anne holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kansas State University and has been part of the Special Beginnings team since 1991 when she began working with Infants and Toddlers. She found her calling in Early Childhood Education and has worked with all age groups and taught the first private full day Kindergarten class at Special Beginnings in 1995. In 1996 Anne joined the administrative team at Special Beginnings and became the Director of the Lenexa Center in 2001. She later became the Senior Director for all centers. Anne and her husband Doug live in Olathe, Kansas with their golden retriever, Sulley. They are the proud parents of two adult children who grew up at Special Beginnings and still volunteer at the programs from time to time. Their daughter, Gabrielle is also a K-State graduate and a NICU nurse here in KC. Gabrielle and her husband live in Overland Park. Anne’s son, Branden is a Notre Dame graduate who works as a financial consultant in the Dallas area, where he and his fiancé are busy with wedding preparations.
Isabella Herbrandson
Assistant Director
Isabella Herbrandson studied Early Childhood Education at Everett Community College. She is currently continuing her education at UMKC. Isabella is passionate about the impact of the early years and enjoys supporting both children and families as they grow and learn together. She finds it especially rewarding to help parents build confidence while guiding children through some of the most important stages of development.
Isabella began her career as a toddler teacher and quickly advanced into leadership, serving as an Assistant Director for nearly two years. She is dedicated to being a reliable source of support for families and colleagues and values open communication and strong relationships. Outside of work, Isabella enjoys hiking, running, paddleboarding, writing, and reading. When she’s not on a local trail or exploring nearby beaches, she can often be found relaxing at home and enjoying the outdoors.
Reviews from Parents
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Special Beginnings Early Learning Center
Lenexa, KS
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Childcare Schedule Options That Work With Your Life
Every family’s routine is unique — and your childcare should be too. With Cadence Education, our Family of Schools may offer various schedule options designed to fit your life.
Each of our school’s are unique, and may not offer all of the options listed below. Talk with your School Director to learn what options are available for your family.
FlexiPass — New Flexible Care Option!
When schedules change, or the grandparents cancel, or life just gets busy, FlexiPass gives you five prepaid days of care that you can use whenever* you need them, one at a time or all at once. No registration fees. No ongoing tuition. Just dependable care when you need it most.
