Cornerstone at a Glance - Cornerstone Center for Early Learning

Founded in 1969, Cornerstone has received endorsements, accreditations, and awards for early childhood education and childcare from the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Better Business Bureau, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis, and Y.W.C.A. Head Start. We are proud to have earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by Candid, which demonstrates Cornerstone’s strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency for our donors.

We Provide our Children and Families with:

Year-round education as well as care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, Monday-Friday
A need-based tuition assistance program
An experienced team of staff and faculty, 30% of whom have been with Cornerstone for more than a decade
Two meals and a snack for every child each day
Childcare essentials such as diapers, wipes, infant formula, and baby food in addition to food, clothes, toys, and books, among other donated items
Health screenings including medical, dental, vision, hearing, and developmental. In addition, we offer free, on-site therapy to assist with speech, physical, and occupational development
A Nature Explore Certified Outdoor Classroom featuring playscapes; greenhouses; digging, climbing, dramatic play, and building areas; water, music, and art stations; a bicycle path, mud kitchen, story walk, and more.

We Support:*

Over 200 children and their families, ages 6 weeks to 5 years
Working households with an annual income under $20,000 (46% )
Families who pay no tuition per state income guidelines (46% ), as well as families who pay $1 – $25 week (12%)
African American (50% ), Caucasian (31% ), Multi-racial (13%), and Hispanic children (5%), as well as children of other ethnic groups (1%)
Single-parent households (49%)
Households from St. Louis city (84%), St. Louis County (14% ), St. Charles County (1% ), and Illinois (1%)
Children who receive on site developmental therapies (17% )
Children in foster care (13%)

*in a typical year

Our Funding:

As a non-profit, our funds come from:

Government Programs (USDA, State Tuition, CRRSA, and PPP): 53%
Tuition and Enrollment Fees: 21%
Fundraising, Special Events, and other Philanthropic Support: 19%
United Way Support: 7%

View our most recent 990s below:

What our parents are saying

What you have on the corner of Russell and 39th is something incredibly precious and so incredibly needed in our world right now: a place to belong, a place to be safe, a place to grow and be challenged and be loved. Thank you for allowing us to be part of it.

Cornerstone Parents

Cornerstone became a part of our lives. The teachers didn’t just care for our boys- they LOVED them and cared about them. You have a special place with SUPER special teachers loving and shaping all of these little people.

Cornerstone Parents

Cornerstone is our biggest blessing - exceeds expectations - and knows what we need before we know what we need.

Cornerstone Family

I am very grateful for the resources, teachers, and level of care and development of my children at Cornerstone.

Cornerstone Parent

Our family loves all the staff and support Cornerstone has to offer. You guys are extended family.

Cornerstone Family

We so appreciate each and every one of you and all you do for our family and all of the Cornerstone families. It does not go unnoticed - thank you, thank you!

Cornerstone Family

Thank you all for your dedication to teaching us the skills we need to grow up to be great human beings. We've all endured tough times during the pandemic but you all, especially, have been there for us kiddos. Thank you!

Cornerstone Parent

I appreciate every one of you. It's really nice to know that my girls are safe, loved, and cared for. Thank you all so much for all you do.

Cornerstone Grandparent

I'm so blessed to have found a school as amazing as Cornerstone. I'm a very protective mom but I feel a sense of security sending my children to Cornerstone. You all are so attentive to the children and loving it warms my heart. Greeting each child and parent enthusiastically by name every single morning is unfortunately not always the case in schools and daycares. It shows that you guys care and love the children. Thank you for all your kindness and patience.

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you so much for all you do! [Our child] loves coming to daycare, and your cheerful smiles and gracious greetings make pick and drop off so easy. We love the community at Cornerstone and couldn't do it without you.

Cornerstone Parents

As a parent, there is no better feeling than knowing that not only is your little one safe while he's away at school, but he's also loved and having a ball. Thank you all for creating such a wonderful environment for all of the kids that walk through your doors each day. Cornerstone is a special place and I am so thankful to be part of the community. You all are the best!

Cornerstone Parent

I truly appreciate how dedicated you all are with caring for my child and all the children of Cornerstone. Throughout the years I've built a strong relationship with many of the staff members and consider them family. I am so grateful that [my daughter] is a Cornerstone kid. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you so much for creating such a loving and supportive environment for [our son]! He comes home happy every day and is learning so much. We feel so lucky that [his big brother] got to experience Cornerstone too, and we're excited for when [their little brother] joins the Cornerstone crew!

Cornerstone Family

When we found out in October 2020 that Cornerstone was opening their enrollment, we jumped at the chance of getting [our son] in the program. Because of the amazing teachers he's had, he has returned to the sweet goofy little human he was before COVID made his world so small. Everything he was behind in he is now excelling in. We are forever thankful for his teachers that he's had. Thank you for being amazing.

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for the amazing job you do every day helping our kids grow. You guys are super heroes and I really appreciate you. Thanks Cornerstone!

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you to each and every one of you. Thank you for everything you do for our children. Thank you for your love, patience, and support. Cornerstone is an amazing place and I'm blessed to be a part of the Cornerstone family. We love y'all.

Cornerstone Parent

Thank you to the amazing staff at Cornerstone! You are always so welcoming in the morning at drop off and so helpful getting kids to their classrooms.

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for being so very patient with me as I transitioned from a stay-at-home mom to a working one. It was hard at first, but I appreciate all the efforts of getting my many, many questions answered. I also appreciate the love and care you give my child and the other children. You all are really super heroes in my book. I know when I drop off [my son] he's in good hands, and I'm reminded with the smile on his face when I pick him up. Thank you Cornerstone Team!

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for your constant creative and thoughtful care!

Cornerstone Parents

Thank you for taking care of and loving [our daughters]. They absolutely love school, mainly due to the relationships they have with the teachers and staff. We could not have asked for a better loving, supportive school for them.

Cornerstone Family

Thank you for sharing your time and hearts with all of the kids. You guys are the BEST!

Cornerstone Parent

You are SO great for LGBT, interracial, and foster/adoptive families!

Cornerstone Parent

I have been with Cornerstone for 6+ years. I love the family environment. My youngest is about to age out and I almost want to have another one because you guys are a big help (:

Cornerstone Parent

Your center helped calm the fears this single, formerly unemployed mother had. You are a diamond in the rough and a treasure to the families that get a chance to encounter your care. We miss you dearly and thank you for all you did!

Cornerstone Parent