Northland Early Education Center (NEEC) was founded in 1981 by a group of concerned parents of children with special needs along with parents of children whose household incomes were low to moderate. The preschool existed as Lighthouse Preschool for the Exceptional Child and was formed in the basement of a church in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. These parents envisioned an early education center that would serve all children, regardless of their developmental level or socioeconomic status.

Through the years, Lighthouse Preschool continued to see growth, forcing many moves into larger spaces. In 1998, the current building on North Oak was purchased and remodeled. In 2003, to set itself apart as an early education center, Lighthouse Preschool was rebranded and became Northland Early Education Center. Continuing on the path of growth, Northland Early Education Center saw the need for an expansion and renovation and started a capital campaign in 2014. The expansion and renovation were completed in 2019.

Since its inception, NEEC has grown from a preschool serving six children to a nationally accredited early education center and therapeutic intervention facility serving roughly 300 children annually.

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