Tonya's Learning Childcare

Our Teachers

Tonya Palton Program Director

With over 27 years of dedication to the field of childcare, Tonya Palton brings a wealth of experience, passion, and deep community roots to her role as Owner and Director. Her journey began in humble yet impactful ways—offering indirect care to children of community members. From these early beginnings, Tonya discovered her lifelong calling to nurture, educate, and uplift young minds.

Starting with an in-home childcare program, Tonya gained invaluable hands-on experience that shaped her approach to care: warm, personal, and grounded in the everyday realities of family life. This foundation taught her the importance of building trusting relationships with both children and families, a value that continues to guide her work today.

Over two decades ago, Tonya expanded her vision by moving into the center’s current location, where she has continued to grow and evolve as a childcare leader. Throughout the years, she has pursued extensive coursework in early childhood education, ensuring her practices remain both informed and intentional. Her commitment to lifelong learning is matched only by her attention to detail and heartfelt application of knowledge in her daily interactions with children and staff.

Tonya believes that every child deserves a nurturing, enriching environment that encourages exploration, confidence, and joy. Under her leadership, the center reflects this vision—a place where experience meets compassion, and where families know their children are seen, supported, and celebrated.

Philosophy

At Tonya’s Learning Childcare, we believe that every child is a unique and capable learner. Our philosophy is centered on the idea that children learn best through an interest-based curriculum that follows their natural curiosity, imagination, and creativity.

We create a warm, home-like environment where learning happens through fun, play, and hands-on exploration. By encouraging children to engage in activities that spark their interests, we help them build confidence, develop important social and emotional skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

At Tonya’s Learning Childcare, play isn’t just fun — it’s the foundation for meaningful learning and growth.

Location

Proudly serving families in Kansas City, MO and the surrounding areas with quality, play-based home childcare that nurtures each child’s curiosity, growth, and joy in learning.

About our program

Welcome to Tonya’s Learning Childcare, a loving and nurturing home-based childcare serving families in Kansas City, MO and the surrounding areas. We proudly offer care for children ages 0 to 8 years, providing a safe and engaging space where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

At Tonya’s Learning Childcare, we believe that children learn best through play, exploration, and following their own interests. Our child-centered, interest-based curriculum encourages creativity, curiosity, and fun, helping each child build confidence, develop important skills, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

We are open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 5:15 PM, and provide warm, nutritious meals and snacks daily to keep little ones energized and happy.

Now enrolling — we’d love to welcome your family into ours!

Admissions

Join the Tonya’s Learning Childcare community in three easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Tour our program

Come see what makes Tonya’s Learning Childcare unique. If we are currently hosting tours, you can request or schedule a tour at the top of this page. If we are not currently hosting tours, you’ll see a “Request Info” button at the top of this page; if you submit your information using this button, we will notify you when we start host tours again in the future.

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you’re interested in enrolling, submit an application by selecting Apply to enroll. If this option if not available, you can message the program director. Please do not apply to enroll until you have set up a tour and visited the program.