The Lawrence Community Nursery School is home to three dedicated teachers who, combined, have provided a safe place for our kids to learn and grow for over 25 years.

Known locally as The Little Red Schoolhouse, LCNS is one of the oldest cooperative preschools in the country. Born out of a need for integrated, low-cost, preschool education in Lawrence, KS, our school’s mission centers on community involvement, accessible scholarships, and parental participation.

As a co-op, we create a community where every member benefits equitably. To do this we help ourselves while also helping each other. We believe equity is essential to creating a harmonious relationship among all members of our community. Our history, our mission, our co-op model and our teacher’s commitment to these values make us proud!

Little Red stayed open throughout the pandemic, and has made strides to achieve a balanced budget in the years since, despite rising costs everywhere. Last year, the co-op’s board raised over $30,000 for facility and playground improvements. In 2023 we agreed it was important to raise salaries so that our teachers could be paid a living wage. We voted to increase tuition so that we had the income to maintain a state of equity for our teachers.

Our teachers are more than deserving of their increased wages and deserve a reasonable bonus. We could never thank or compensate them enough for the hard work they do. Which brings us here. We are asking for your help so that we can continue to pay our teachers a living wage and give them the bonuses they deserve. Any little bit helps!

For more information about our beloved Little Red, visit us at www.lcns.coop

Meet the Teachers

Stephanie Duncan - Director / Lead Teacher

Stephanie holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education and an undergraduate degree in Art History, both from KU. She has been teaching and working with children since the 1990s, and has been an integral presence at LCNS since 2003, having served as Director of the school and Lead Teacher. Stephanie is warm, fun-loving, vibrant, and energetic. She designs thoughtful and creative lesson plans, and has established a great balance of fun and learning in her classroom. Stephanie finds a special way to connect with each child who comes through the LCNS gate.

Kelly Bowen - Lead Teacher

Kelly has worked in early education for many years and joined the teaching team at LCNS in 2011. She is a mother and artist. She enjoys storytelling, singing, biking, and camping with her family. Kelly was born and raised in Lawrence and feels strongly about supporting our community and one another as parents. She enjoys working with young children and appreciates the way they find joy in little things. Kelly was a parent at the school before she came on board as a teacher and she loves the special friendships and connections that are made between the children, families, and teachers at LCNS.

Megan Peck - Assistant Teacher

Megan Peck became involved at LCNS in 2014 as a parent and all three of her kids have attended the school. As an LCNS parent, Megan served on the Administrative Board and worked as a substitute and temporary Assistant Teacher. She was hired for a permanent position as an assistant teacher in June 2020 and has also worked as a school administrator in the past. Megan shows empathy for the children and thrives in problem-solving and supporting the lead teacher as well as the children.

A Giving Tuesday to Thank Our Teachers for All They Do

The Little Red Schoolhouse, where you will find the best preschool teachers!