Important Notice
We’re excited to share that Phase 1 of our new Infant & Toddler School is nearly complete!
Rolling enrollment will begin September 8th, and we can’t wait to welcome families into our beautiful, new school.
We are still seeking capital donations, in-kind support, and volunteers to help bring this vision to life. Every contribution—time, resources, or financial support—helps ensure children and families in the Bitterroot Valley have access to high-quality early learning.
Just one block from the Skalkaho Bend Trail Head, this new facility is already becoming a vibrant, community-centered space. Thank you for believing in this vital program!
Educational Philosophy
We recognize that the earliest years are pivotal in setting the foundation for lifelong learning and development. Our philosophy for the infant and toddler programs combines responsive care, early learning foundations, and deep family engagement with an enriching, play-based approach to education, as practiced at Evergreen Kids Corner Preschool.
We tailor our approach to meet the individual needs of each child, providing personalized care that supports their unique developmental stages. This involves attentive interactions and a nurturing environment that adapts to the preferences and rhythms of each child, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and understood.
Our programs introduce infants and toddlers to basic concepts that stimulate their cognitive, emotional, and physical development. We recognize that the most brain development occurs in the first three years, making this a crucial part of the developmental lifespan. By integrating sensory-rich activities that encourage exploration and discovery, we foster natural curiosity and the development of essential skills from the earliest age.
We believe that families are integral to a child’s educational journey. By actively involving parents and caregivers, we create a collaborative partnership that supports the child’s growth and mirrors the learning experiences at home, reinforcing their development and strengthening family bonds.
Aligned with Evergreen Kids Corner Preschool’s philosophy, we emphasize the importance of play as the natural way for children to learn and make sense of the world. In uninterrupted blocks of play, children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and social-emotional competencies. Our environment is designed to be rich and stimulating, allowing children the freedom to explore, experiment, and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
We are committed to providing a place-based, child-centered approach to learning that nurtures the whole child. This approach integrates the physical and cultural environment of the Bitterroot Valley, using the local community and nature as a dynamic classroom that offers endless opportunities for learning through real-world experiences.
Program Highlights
- Holistic Development: Nurturing mentors guide children through daily nature immersion for overall growth. Emphasizes social, emotional, and physical development through nature and play.
- Place-Based Learning: Curriculum is tied to the local environment and community for relevance and engagement.
- Personalized Approach: Individual assessments and support based on Montana Early Standards.
- Lifelong Connections: Fosters enduring bonds and a lasting love for learning.
- Hands-On Activities: Boosts cognitive and motor skills through active engagement
Daily Schedule
Our typical day will be structured to provide a balanced mix of learning through play:
- Morning circle time
- Theme-based activities and lessons
- Outdoor play and exploration
- Storytime and nap time
- Arts and crafts
- Sensory guided activities
- Guided play in our learning centers
- Social-emotional activities
Evergreen Saplings Tuition
Our prices reflect our commitment to providing exceptional educational value for our families.
- Low Teacher Ratio: Personalized attention with a focus on individual child growth through a low 4:1 child to teacher ratio with infants being 3:1.
- Hands-On Food Program: Emphasizes nutritional meals and culinary skills, connecting children to local food traditions.
- Place-Based Education: Utilizes local surroundings for relevant, meaningful learning, deepening community connections.
- Qualified Teachers: Experienced professionals with a commitment to early childhood education, receiving competitive compensation to enhance investment in our community and families.
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
Read our Evergreen Kids Corner testimonials to give you insight into our amazing programming!
Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome children from birth up to 3 years old, with programs specifically designed for infants (0-12 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.
All our teachers are certified in early childhood education, with specialized training in infant and toddler development. They undergo continuous professional development to stay updated on the latest educational practices.
Our responsive care approach involves close observation and interaction with each child to understand their needs and preferences. This allows us to tailor activities, feeding, and nap times to suit each child’s developmental stage and temperament. Our teachers regularly track children’s Monana Early Learning Standards development to create lesson plans that meet the needs of each child.
Parents are welcome to visit; we have an open-door policy to encourage family involvement. We ask that you send us a message so we can give children notice so as not to surprise them about a change in their schedule.
The safety and well-being of our children are paramount. We adhere to strict health and safety protocols, including regular cleaning and sanitization, secure premises, and staff training in first aid and emergency response.
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!