Little Sunshine's building new school in Ozark

Springfield-based preschool and early child care operator Little Sunshine's Enterprises Inc. is replacing its school in Ozark with a larger building.

The 8,900-square-foot preschool at 4801 N. Town Centre Drive would have the capacity for 122 students, said Kelly Yust, director of marketing for the company that does business as Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool.

"The new school will be nothing like we’ve done before at Little Sunshine’s," CEO Brett Roubal said in a news release. "We’re almost doubling the capacity, making it the largest of our schools in southwest Missouri.

"Not only are we adding space, but we’re adding several amenities like a drop-off lane, turfed playgrounds with our signature playhouse, new toys and equipment."

Yust said the building housing Little Sunshine's current Ozark school, 4910 N. 21st St., would be sold after the new site is completed. The Ozark school has been in operation since 2005.

Ross Construction Group LLC is serving as general contractor for the project designed by Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, Yust said. Construction is slated for completion by Sept. 1, she said, declining to disclose the project cost.

Little Sunshine's has nearly 30 preschools in 10 states, according to its website.

The company last year ranked No. 11 on Springfield Business Journal's Dynamic Dozen awards list. Little Sunshine's reported 2020 revenue of $48 million and three-year revenue growth of 33%.