Awards & Recognition
Missouri Accreditation
Flance has achieved a recognition of excellence through Missouri Accreditation. Initial accreditation was awarded in 2021, renewed in 2022 and again in 2023 through 2027. This distinguishes us as an exemplary program offering high-quality programming to the children of Missouri. We offer developmentally appropriate experiences in an environment conducive to children flourishing intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.
Green Ribbon School
Flance has been honored with a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award! We were nominated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with Missouri Green Schools. This award acknowledges our commitment to sustainable practices and leadership in facilities, health, and environmental education. We were the only school in Missouri to receive this honor in 2021 and one of three early learning centers to be recognized in the United States.
Healthy Way to Grow Center
In the Fall of 2020, Flance was recognized by the American Heart Association as the only GOLD-certified Healthy Way to Grow Center in the country! We are combating obesity through health programming that focuses on nutrition and physical activity.
What’s Right with the Region
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, Flance was honored by Focus St. Louis with its What’s Right with the Region award. We were recognized by Focus for our commitment to IDEA - inclusion, diversity, equity and access. IDEA is in Flance’s DNA, and is the reason we were founded - to improve the trajectory of young children in one of the most distressed areas of our city and state - north city’s 63016 zip code.
Nature Explorer Classroom
Flance’s Outdoor Classroom was recognized as a Certified Nature Explore Classroom by the Nature Explorer Program in October, 2023. The Outdoor Classroom intentionally extends learning opportunities by incorporating interactive and open-ended materials that foster creativity, imagination, and initiative in children. Aspects include dedicated areas for music and movement, nature art, building, dirt and sensory exploration, gross motor play, water play and garden education.
Breast Feeding Friendly
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) awarded Flance with the Breast Feeding Friendly Worksite and Child Care Award for supporting breastfeeding families. We have a designated lactation room where nursing staff and families are able to breastfeed.
EnVision Center
Flance Early Learning Center was named an EnVision Center by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for our commitment to helping families achieve self-sufficiency. This designation allowed Flance to start the Food Box Friday program from May 2020 - May 2022. The program allowed Flance to distribute over a ton of free, fresh food to Flance families, staff, and community members.