Urban Sprouts

17 years ago, our Founder, Ellicia Lanier, had a dream.

A dream and vision she first imagined for her own children, and for children across St. Louis.

Founded in 2009 by Ellicia Lanier, a dedicated educator and advocate, Urban Sprouts was born from the belief that every child deserves a space where they are nurtured, seen, and celebrated.

Our first location opened its doors in University City in 2009. Now, 17 years later, we have expanded into a campus that serves 120 children and continues to walk alongside families with care, intention, and purpose.

We’re still growing, still dreaming, and still so proud to be on this journey with each and every one of you.💛

Yesterday, we had a special visitor return to Urban Sprouts.

One of our alumni from the Class of 2018, and one of the original thinkers behind Cafe O Play, came back to see the idea she and her classmates once imagined through their work, questions, and investigation begin to come to life.

What a beautiful full-circle moment to witness the ideas of children continue to grow, take shape, and inspire our community years later.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to opening Cafe O Play! ☕

4 days. 110 educators. More than 20 states represented.

Last week, we had the pleasure of not only welcoming educators into our space, but also partnering with Ideal Learning to serve as a gateway of learning for educators across the Midwest and beyond.

During our time together, we convened, connected, and learned from one another. In these current times, more than ever, it is important to advance quality, equity-centered early learning environments for all children.

Through this convening and beyond, we are grateful for the opportunity to help make ideal learning real by creating spaces where families, children, and communities can thrive.

Thank you, Trust for Learning , for your support and for being an advocate in shaping environments where children and communities can flourish.

And also trusting Urban Sprouts with such an important event for educators.

📸:

4 days. 110 educators. More than 20 states represented.

Last week, we had the pleasure of not only welcoming educators into our space, but also partnering with Ideal Learning to serve as a gateway of learning for educators across the Midwest and beyond.

During our time together, we convened, connected, and learned from one another. In these current times, more than ever, it is important to advance quality, equity-centered early learning environments for all children.

Through this convening and beyond, we are grateful for the opportunity to help make ideal learning real by creating spaces where families, children, and communities can thrive.

Thank you, Trust for Learning , for your support and for being an advocate in shaping environments where children and communities can flourish.

And also trusting Urban Sprouts with such an important event for educators.

📸 : Jaelin Collier

We did it! Thanks to your generosity, we ended Give STL Day at $5,357, reaching our goal and supporting work that directly nourishes our children and community.

Through our Garden to Table program, children engage in hands-on gardening and creative cooking experiences that foster learning, connection, healthy habits, and a deeper relationship with the food they eat.

Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, and supported our Give STL Day effort

It takes a village to grow a garden. 🌱

At Urban Sprouts, we believe that every child deserves access to nourishing food—and the joy that comes from growing and preparing it themselves. Our Garden‑to‑Table program integrates hands‑on gardening with creative cooking to foster learning, connection, and healthy habits. 🥕🌽

Donate today!
https://www.givestlday.org/organization/urbansprouts...

We are so grateful for the teachers here at Urban Sprouts. They truly make our school community special. They give children the freedom to explore, wonder, create, ask questions, and lead their own learning with joy and curiosity.

To our Urban Sprouts teachers, thank you for the love, care, patience, and intention you pour into our children each day. You are the heart of our village. 💛

We kicked off the week with Mocha Monday, treating our staff to a fresh cup of coffee from Traveling Tom’s! Take a look at the photos!

Happy Earth Day! 🌍♻️

Today we celebrated Earth Day by collecting a variety of loose parts made up of recycled and natural materials while our students explored planting in our garden.

Moments like these reflect our Garden to Table program, which is part of our holistic approach to support each child’s health and well being through fresh, nutritious meals sourced as much as possible from our community garden and onsite greenhouse.

As Give STL Day approaches, we are proud to continue creating hands on experiences that help our children learn, grow, and thrive. Check out the photos and donate today by clicking the link below. 🌱

https://www.givestlday.org/organization/urbansprouts?fbclid=IwdGRjcARWKT9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeiWHMP8qAEoYNkemxnAaUldt5kGKSQEb0LoqONSciE2BPQEZgHOlzHn_0nOw_aem_ioO5qrOY6shnc7N3qPWV0Q