The first kindergarten at the Weldon Springs Chautauqua was offered in 1904. Miss Helen L. Waggoner was employed by the management to conduct the school. There were two sessions each day – one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The program admonished parents that "children who attend the school should be very punctual. It is expected that the sessions will open promptly at the minute. There should be no delay or confusion because of a tardy pupil." The tent in which kindergarten was held was located near the auditorium.

By 1908 Miss Fern Arbogast was the kindergarten teacher. The program promised mothers respite and the knowledge that "beyond the shadow of a doubt" their "child or children are safe and secure in the keeping of one who will care for, entertain, instruct, soothe, and sustain them in every childish emergency as your good mother would yourself." Mothers were asked "Can you afford to deny yourself this golden opportunity of shifting for a little while each Chautauqua Day the care of your jewel into the hands of one so competent as is our kindergarten instructor?"

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