Our story
Warm hearts, play-based learning, since 2003.
Jan Krug has directed Stephens House since 2003 with one simple belief: children flourish when they feel safe, known, and free to learn through play.
Built around childhood, not around convenience.
Jan Krug has led Stephens House since 2003 with one clear goal: create a warm, joyful place where children can truly be kids — unhurried, curious, and learning through play every single day.
That vision lives in every room, from the way teachers greet each child by name to the activities children help shape. Every child is known, every family part of the Stephens House community.
The values behind every day.
Play is the work
We believe the best learning happens through joyful, purposeful play — always.
Every child known
Small groups mean every child is truly seen, understood, and celebrated.
Curiosity first
We follow children's questions and build learning around genuine wonder.
Outdoor every day
Fresh air, active bodies, and the natural world are part of every week.
Family as partners
We're an extension of home, in constant conversation with the families we serve.
Safe, always
Rigorous standards and consistent care so you can breathe easy all day.
How we grew.
Jan takes the helm
Jan Krug begins directing Stephens House with a small group of 40 children and a whole lot of heart.
Word spreads
Kansas City families discover Stephens House and tell their neighbors — enrollment begins to climb.
A program on the move
From 40 children to more than 100, built one trusting family relationship at a time.
Still play-based at heart
More than 20 years on, the same warmth and commitment to learning through play.
Educators who feel like family.
Our team is passionate about early childhood, caring, and endlessly devoted to every child in their care.
Jan Krug
Loved by Kansas City families.
Rated 4.7★ across 31 Google reviews.
The teachers truly know our child. The warmth and care here is something you feel the moment you walk in.
Stephens House family
Our child has grown so much — more curious, more confident, more joyful. We're so glad we found Stephens House.
Stephens House family
We visited several programs. Stephens House was the only one that felt truly warm, calm, and joyful from the start.
Stephens House family
Want to feel the difference yourself?
The best way to know Stephens House is to visit. We'd love to show you around.
Book a tour →