Early Learning Center
6 Weeks – 4 Years: A strong beginning to a lifelong love of learning.
At The Independent School’s Early Learning Center, children ages 6 weeks to 4 years thrive in a nurturing environment where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and foundational skills are built with care and intention.
About Us
For more than four decades, The Independent School has been a trusted educational leader in the Wichita community. In January 2019, we extended that legacy to our youngest learners with the launch of our Early Learning Center.
Serving children from 6 weeks to 4 years old, our Early Learning Center is designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment where curiosity is sparked and development is supported every step of the way. With small class sizes, highly qualified teachers, and a focus on early childhood best practices, we offer more than care—we provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
A love of learning begins early.
Early Learning Center Tuition 2026-2027
Hours - 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
2025-2026 TIS School Calendar
Meet Mrs. Niblack
Krayshawn Niblack | Director of the ELC | krayshawn.niblack@theindependentschool.com
With over seven years of experience in early childhood education and more than a decade of dedication to Wichita youth, Krayshawn is passionate about fostering a nurturing, supportive environment for young learners. Having been an integral part of The Independent School Early Learning Center for two years, she was honored to step into the role of Director.
Holding a director’s license, she believes in the power of strong relationships, open communication, and genuine care. Krayshawn prioritizes building trust with families as much as connecting with children and maintains an open-door policy to foster meaningful relationships within the community.
At the Early Learning Center, children are at the heart of everything she does. Their curiosity, growth, and potential inspire her daily, and she is committed to upholding the center’s tradition of excellence while supporting their development and success.
Hello TIS Families,
I'm Krayshawn Niblack, proud Program Director at The Independent Schools Early Learning Center. With over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, I am deeply passionate about helping children grow, explore, and reach their full potential. I’ve had the honor of being nominated for the Early Childhood Impact Awards in both administrative and teacher roles, a reflection of my commitment to high-quality care and education in my community.
I currently hold a KDHE Director’s License for a center serving over 100 children and am currently furthering my education at Butler Community College. As the Director of the TIS Early Learning Center, I find joy in witnessing all the “firsts” from holding a bottle, taking first steps, and learning to write their names, to graduating and continuing on through the Lower School. It’s a privilege to watch the fondation for learning take root and grow.
Our educators at The Independent Schools Early Learning Center thoughtfully design play-based experiences that spark imagination and align with each child’s interests and developmental stage. Whether it’s building with blocks, engaging in pretend play, creating art, or exploring nature, every activity supports growth in language, literacy, and social-emotional skills.
By blending guided learning with child-led exploration, our program encourages a love for learning, helping each child achieve milestones while enjoying the journey every step of the way.
What I love most about our school is the strong sense of community and the personal relationships built between teachers, students, and families. As both an educator and a TIS parent, I truly enjoy having my own children on campus and being a part of such a supportive environment.
Beyond the classroom, I am an active member of my community and a proud mother of five. I’m passionate about supporting other mothers, encouraging family engagement, and promoting early learning. In my free time, I enjoy sports and spending time with my family. I believe wholeheartedly that learning never truly stops and I look forward to seeing all of the amazing families new and old daily at TIS.
Here's to an amazing year!
With love,
Krayshawn Niblack