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Our story

Rooted in family. Growing future generations.

Every great story begins with roots. Ours began with family, faith in our vision, and a dream to create something meaningful for the next generation.

The Toomer family in front of a blooming magnolia tree

From Louisiana roots to Missouri dreams

A journey of love, perseverance, and family values

Louisiana will always be part of who we are. It's where our values took root, and where we learned that family, compassion, and community come first.

When life brought us to Missouri, we carried those traditions with us, along with a dream to build something that would last. We wanted a better future, not only for our own family but for the generations that follow. We wanted to build something that would strengthen our community and create opportunities for others.

We didn't know exactly where that dream would lead. We only knew we wanted it to mean something. In time, it found its purpose in early childhood education.

Meet our owners

Portrait of Mrs. Ta'Jah Toomer, Owner and Director of Toomerland Daycare & Learning Center
Mrs. Ta'Jah ToomerOwner & Director
Portrait of Mr. Willie Toomer, Owner of Toomerland Daycare & Learning Center
Mr. Willie ToomerOwner

Husband and wife, and partners in building Toomerland. Our door is always open.

How we grew

Meaningful things take time to grow

There were no shortcuts, and success didn't happen overnight. We spent our early years learning childcare regulations, preparing our home, and building a strong foundation, one careful step at a time.

  1. Our roots

    Louisiana

    Strong family ties, Southern hospitality, and a deep love of community shaped who we are. It's where we learned compassion, hard work, and looking after one another.

  2. 2022

    A dream is planted

    We started planning Toomerland. There was no big building and no staff yet, just a vision, a willingness to learn, and the determination to do this right.

  3. 2023

    Our first child

    We welcomed our first child into our home-based program. What we had imagined became real: friendships, discoveries, and the joy of learning every day.

  4. Today

    Growing toward a learning center

    We're growing toward a larger early learning center so we can serve more families, with the same heart we started with.

More than childcare

A greater purpose

“Every morning, families trust us with what matters most to them: their children.”

Behind every drop-off is a parent counting on us for more than supervision. They're counting on compassion, encouragement, patience, and experiences that help their child grow. That responsibility is the foundation of our mission.

Early childhood is when confidence begins, curiosity takes shape, and children discover what they're capable of. Children shouldn't simply spend their days in childcare. Their days should be full of chances to learn, explore, imagine, and grow.

Teacher and children smiling together at the table
Child watering plants in the garden

Growing through every season

Strong foundations are built with care

Like a tree through the changing seasons, Toomerland has known progress, challenges, uncertainty, and new beginnings. As our vision grew, so did our desire to serve more families. That led us to plan our next chapter, a larger early learning center.

Growth takes patience, planning, and the courage to make hard decisions. Not every plan unfolded as expected, but every experience strengthened our commitment. Our vision keeps growing. Our promise stays the same: a loving place where children build the foundations for lifelong learning.

The magnolia tree

A symbol of our roots and our promise

We didn't choose the magnolia for its beauty alone. We chose it because it tells our story. Tied to our Louisiana heritage, it stands for strength, resilience, grace, and values passed from one generation to the next.

Roots

remind us where we came from.

The trunk

stands for the strength and stability of a solid foundation.

Branches

symbolize growth, exploration, and endless possibilities.

Blossoms

remind us that every child is unique, grows at their own pace, and can flourish.

Before children can reach for their dreams, they need a place where they feel safe.

Before they can grow confident, they need someone who believes in them.

Before they can discover their potential, they need room to explore, make mistakes, and try again.

And before they can bloom, they need strong roots.

Our philosophy

Growing strong roots for lifelong learning

When children are surrounded by love, encouragement, structure, and meaningful learning, they gain the confidence to embrace the world around them. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

Through play, exploration, creativity, and positive relationships, we nurture the whole child: socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. We're preparing children for more than their next classroom. We're helping them build character that lasts a lifetime.

  • We nurture confidence.
  • We inspire curiosity.
  • We encourage kindness.
  • We celebrate individuality.
  • We cultivate tomorrow's leaders.

Our roots are in Louisiana. Our future is growing in Missouri.

Rooted in family, guided by purpose

We're grateful for the families who have trusted us, the children who inspire us, and the Independence community that has become part of our story. What started as a dream in 2022 is now a mission that keeps shaping our future.

As Toomerland grows, we hope to serve more families and create opportunities for passionate early childhood educators. No matter how much we grow, we'll never forget where we started, or why.

Our promise to every family

Where little moments become meaningful milestones

Choosing Toomerland means joining a community built on family values, compassion, and trust. We promise a place where children feel loved, supported, and celebrated, where curiosity is welcomed and every child has room to grow.

Because when a child's roots are planted in love, the possibilities are endless.