The Walter Ambrose Family Center is the home of the district's preschool, parenting support (PAT), and before and after school care (Adventure Club) programs. Formerly known as Bristol Primary and ECEC, the building’s name was changed in 2011 in honor of Mr. Walter Ambrose, a member and president of the Board of Education, a leader in the African-American community and an early supporter of programs for young children and their families.

The preschool at Ambrose is a Missouri accredited, state licensed, and an award-winning place of joy-filled learning for children ages 2 – 5. Project Construct is the state-approved curricular framework used, while the philosophy and principles of the Reggio Emilia Schools in Italy inspires the work children and staff engage in daily. We are committed to children leading both the design of their learning and the spaces which they will transform through their collective, socially-constructed learning. We are serious about all things “academic” and how children come to understand numeracy, literacy, civic studies, fine and gross motor skills, and social-emotional executive skills is ALL about PLAY. Their creativity, curiosity and competency becomes apparent as they lead their own learning with outstanding teachers close by as facilitators and friends. Play is at the heart of Ambrose and learning is the outcome. Through our partnership with Special School District we meet the needs of children with special educational rights while keeping relationships, play, and joy at the heart of the learning.

The preschool is tuition-based, however families may qualify for financial support through a partnership with Head Start or the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education – just ask for more information. The AFC programs strive to create welcoming and inclusive opportunities for all family regardless of ethnicity, race, education, nationality, family structure, abilities or income.