Children’s safety and well-being are our top priority. We follow strict health protocols, maintain secure premises, and ensure staff are trained in first aid and emergency response.
Supporting Our Youngest Learnerns
Evergreen Saplings is a community space founded on the understanding that the first three years are foundational, shaping children’s safety, attachment, curiosity, and trust. We honor this critical developmental window with care that is responsive, relationship-based, and deeply respectful of each child and family.
The Evergreen Experience
Evergreen programs support whole-child development, including physical, language, social-emotional, and sensory growth, while honoring each child’s individual timeline. Children learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences that build thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills. Our programs follow a place-based, child-centered approach and nationally recognized standards, including the Pyramid Model, Conscious Discipline, Zones of Regulation, Nature Explore, NAEYC accreditation, and the H.O.P.E. framework. We invite you to join us in fostering a foundation for a lifetime of learning and discovery.”
Our evergreen Saplings Team
Cassidy, Lead Teacher
Amy, Assistant Teacher
Taylor, MS, RD, Nutritionist
Program Highlights
At Saplings, care begins with relationships. Infants and toddlers learn through consistent caregivers, predictable routines, and responsive interactions that create safety and belonging. Educators support learning through everyday moments feeding, movement, rest, and exploration.
The program supports whole-child development, including physical, language, social-emotional, and sensory growth, as well as emerging independence. Saplings honors each child’s individual timeline, helping them thrive at their own pace in a nurturing environment.
We prioritize play as the natural way children learn. In uninterrupted blocks of play, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills in a rich, stimulating environment that encourages exploration, experimentation, and hands-on learning.
Families are essential partners in Saplings, bringing valuable insight into their children’s needs and strengths. We prioritize open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect, welcoming families as active participants in the program.
Learning at Evergreen Saplings is rooted in place-based education. Outdoor experiences are part of daily routines, letting children enjoy fresh air, natural light, and sensory-rich environments. Time outside supports regulation, curiosity, and early connections to nature in the Bitterroot Valley.
Saplings supports families beyond daily care by connecting them to BELN’s family services, including developmental guidance, one-on-one support, and community resources. This integrated approach ensures families are supported holistically, without gaps or referrals elsewhere.
For families seeking infant and toddler care, Evergreen Saplings offers more than a placement, it offers a partnership. To learn more about the application process or get an in-depth overview of the program, including the daily schedule, visit our application on Playground.
Our Community Partners
Music Mornings
Each week, children enjoy a 45-minute music class with Kate Boyd from The Music Class, exploring singing, dancing, and instruments.
Evergreen Saplings Tuition
Our prices reflect our commitment to providing exceptional educational value for our families.
- Low Teacher Ratio: Our small classes (4:1 for toddlers, 3:1 for infants) provide individualized care to help every child thrive.
- Hands-On Food Program: Hands-on cooking with locally sourced ingredients teaches healthy eating and supports our community.
- Qualified Teachers: Experienced professionals with a commitment to early childhood education, receiving competitive compensation to enhance investment in our community and families.
- Support Services: Tuition covers more than daily care it includes family support, therapy options, workshops, and individualized learning experiences for you and your child.
We are dedicated to providing an enriched educational experience that prepares your child for success in school and life.
Tuition Information
- 2 days: $728/month
- 4 days: $1,334/month
- 2 days: $445/month
- 4 days: $710/month
- 2 days: $700/month
- 4 days: $1,176/month
See why families love Evergreen Saplings!
Testimonials
My daughter has had such an enriching experience: exploring new ideas, expanding her world, and spending time outside. It is wonderful for her and for me. I get daily photo updates of what they are up to and it makes me wish I could attend too. Evergreen Saplings is the BEST.
Saplings does an amazing job of providing infants and children with enriching activities, family style mealtimes, and plenty of opportunities to explore and grow!
I can’t recommend this school enough!”
An amazing place for young children to laugh, love, and learn. Nature Play Based Curriculum make the child’s heart mind and body thrive.
Our child loves everything about school! We have enjoyed seeing so much development in academics, social skills, and community events.
I love how the kids have beautiful emotional and social guidance that blooms friendships and good communicators.
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome children from 6 months to 3 years old, with programs specifically designed for infants (6-12 months) and toddlers (1-3 years).
Our infant group maintains a ratio of 1 teacher for every 3 infants to ensure personalized care, and our toddler group has a ratio of 1 teacher for every 6 toddlers, with a Nutritionist/Classroom Aid on site fostering engaging and interactive learning experiences.
Evergreen Saplings reflects BELN’s commitment to quality and workforce support, providing educators with professional development, and best-practice guidance. We know high-quality care depends on supported, valued educators, and Saplings serves as a model for programs designed with both children and teachers in mind.
The program follows state and national standards while staying responsive to our community. Using developmentally appropriate, relationship-based, and trauma-informed care, we support children’s wellbeing and families.
Parents are always welcome! Our open-door policy encourages family involvement just message us in advance so children aren’t surprised by schedule changes.
We provide nutritious, age-appropriate meals and snacks throughout the day, which are included in the tuition. All meals are prepared with attention to dietary restrictions and allergies.
We’ve got you covered! We recently received a grant from the Rapp Family Foundation to provide us with heavy duty snow gear, new boots, alpaca wool socks, and a glove and boot warmer that allows us to go out multiple times a day with warm fingers and toes!
Your Child's Journey Starts Here
Evergreen Saplings reflects BELN’s belief that strong systems begin with strong beginnings. By investing deeply in the earliest years, we lay the groundwork for healthier families, more resilient educators, and stronger communities.
