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Christ Early Learning Center: Quality Education + On-Site Soccer
faith-based early childhood curriculum meets HappyFeet soccer — all without leaving the building.
Why Independence Parents Choose Christ Early Learning Center with HappyFeet
Christ Early Learning Center combines research-based faith-based early childhood curriculum education with on-site HappyFeet soccer, giving families professional enrichment during school hours at no extra logistical cost.
Finding a quality preschool in Independence is one thing. Finding one where your child also gets professional soccer instruction
without adding a single extra trip to your week — that’s something different entirely.
Christ Early Learning Center has served the Independence area families serving local families, bringing the nationally recognized
faith-based early childhood curriculum to 14506 E 39th St S. Enrolled families also get exclusive access to
on-site HappyFeet soccer — professional youth soccer that happens right on campus, during school hours.
No rushing across Independence after pickup. No weekend conflicts. Just great education and enrichment,
all in one building on 39th St S.
Christ Early Learning Center
- Christ ELC is operated by Christ United Methodist Church in Independence, providing full-day childcare and preschool in a faith-grounded environment. Located on the south side of Independence near the Hwy 40/I-70 corridor.
- Infant through After School
- faith-based early childhood curriculum
- strong kindergarten readiness outcomes
- M–F, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- strong Google ratings
On-Site HappyFeet Soccer
- Exclusive for enrolled students
- Classes during school hours
- Ages 2–6 welcome
- 150+ ball touches per session
- Ball provided
- $45/month, all-inclusive
Character Development On and Off the Field
Christ Early Learning Center builds character through faith, community, and structured learning. HappyFeet soccer complements this by teaching teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship in a supportive group setting. Our coaches emphasize encouragement over competition — every child gets equal attention, every child succeeds. For families at Christ Early Learning Center, on-site soccer means their children develop physically and socially in the same values-driven environment they experience in the classroom.
Serving Families Across Independence, Blue Springs, Raytown, Grain Valley
Located at 14506 E 39th St S in Independence, Christ Early Learning Center is conveniently positioned for families throughout Independence, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, and Raytown. The Independence (south) area is home to young families looking for quality childcare with enrichment options built in — and on-site HappyFeet soccer is exactly that. No extra drives across town, no schedule juggling. Your child’s soccer program happens right here, during school hours, with kids they already know.
Ready to get started?
Why On-Site Soccer at Christ Early Learning Center Makes Sense
On-site soccer eliminates the logistics gap between school and enrichment — saving parents time while giving children 150+ ball touches per session in a familiar, confidence-building environment.
Five reasons Independence families love this combination
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Save Hours Every Week
No driving to a separate soccer facility. No rearranging your evening or weekend. Soccer happens while your child is already at school. Families report saving an average of 3.5 hours per week.
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Familiar Environment = Better Learning
Your child learns soccer with classmates they already know, in a space they’re already comfortable in. Less first-day anxiety means more focus on the ball.
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faith-based early childhood curriculum Meets Play-Based Soccer
Christ Early Learning Center’s enrichment philosophy emphasizes purposeful play and active engagement — exactly what HappyFeet’s imagination-driven soccer curriculum delivers. These programs were built for each other.
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150+ Ball Touches Per Session
HappyFeet’s curriculum maximizes ball contact — approximately 150 touches per 40-minute class versus the industry average of around 30. That’s faster skill development, guaranteed.
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KC Legends Pathway Built In
HappyFeet is the official feeder program for KC Legends Soccer Club. When your child is ready for competitive play around age 6-7, the pathway is already there — no starting over.
Soccer at your child’s preschool — zero extra driving.
Location and Drive Times from Nearby Neighborhoods
Christ Early Learning Center sits at 14506 E 39th St S, easily accessible from Independence (south), Raytown, Blue Springs, and surrounding the Independence area neighborhoods.
Find Us on 39th St S
14506 E 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055
(816) 461-3393
Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
www.icumc.org/early-learning-center
Drive times from your neighborhood:
- Independence ~3 min
- Blue Springs / Grain Valley ~5 min
- Grain Valley / Independence ~6 min
- Downtown Independence ~8 min
- Blue Springs (Blue Springs area) ~10 min
- Grain Valley (Grain Valley area) ~12 min
- Sugar Creek (Independence area) ~12 min
- Lee’s Summit (Blue Springs area) ~15 min
Convenient for families in:
Blue Springs
Grain Valley
Sugar Creek
Lee’s Summit
64050
Check if Christ Early Learning Center has spots available
Learn about enrollment and discover why Independence families love the convenience of on-site enrichment.
By the Numbers: Why On-Site Soccer Works
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150+ ball touches per session — compared to ~50 in traditional programs
(HappyFeet Curriculum Data) -
3.5 hours saved per week — by eliminating separate activity drives
(Parent Survey, 2025) -
Ages 2-6 is the critical motor development window — gross motor skills develop most rapidly during this period
(American Academy of Pediatrics) -
30+ partner schools across the Kansas City metro area
(HappyFeet KC, 2026)
On-Site Soccer vs. Traditional Programs
| Feature | HappyFeet On-Site | Traditional Program |
|---|---|---|
| Extra driving required | None | Yes (15-30 min each way) |
| Schedule disruption | None — during school hours | Evenings/weekends |
| Ball touches per session | 150+ | ~50 |
| Monthly cost | $45 | $65-85 |
| Ball provided | Yes | Often not included |
| Pathway to competitive soccer | KC Legends (ages 6+) | Varies |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions parents ask about HappyFeet soccer at Christ Early Learning Center.
Does Christ Early Learning Center offer soccer classes?
for enrolled students. Classes happen during school hours on the 39th St S campus — no extra driving required.
How much is HappyFeet soccer at Christ Early Learning Center?
What ages can participate in soccer at Christ Early Learning Center?
age-appropriate — younger children focus on coordination and fun through imaginative play, while older
children develop more advanced technical skills.
Do I need to drive my child to soccer if they attend Christ Early Learning Center?
routine stay exactly the same — you simply pick up a child who has already had soccer class.
What is the HappyFeet to KC Legends pathway?
is ready — typically around age 6-7 — they can transition seamlessly from HappyFeet’s foundational
curriculum into KC Legends’ recreational or competitive soccer programs, all with skills already
in place. Learn more about KC Legends.
About HappyFeet Kansas City
HappyFeet Kansas City has delivered play-based toddler soccer at daycares and preschools since 2003 and serves as the official feeder program for KC Legends Soccer Club.
Since 2003, HappyFeet has introduced thousands of Kansas City toddlers to soccer through imaginative,
play-based learning. The curriculum uses storytelling and games to develop coordination, confidence, and
a genuine love for physical activity.
We partner with quality childcare centers like Christ Early Learning Center to bring soccer directly
to families — because busy parents need solutions that fit into their lives, not add more complexity.
HappyFeet is the official feeder program for KC Legends Soccer Club, providing a
seamless pathway from first touches (ages 2–6) to competitive youth soccer (ages 6–18).