at Bozeman United Methodist Church

Welcome to The Gathering Place: A Children’s Learning Center for All.

While we are owned and operated by Bozeman United Methodist Church, we are a non-religious, non-profit organization that aims to provide a safe and welcoming environment for families and children. We are an early learning center serving children 6 weeks to 5 years. We are a play-based program and approach our clients holistically by acting as a hub of resources. While we provide childcare, we also partner with community resources and allies to give our families whatever it is they need to be successful. We firmly believe that families are our children's first teacher and we strive to honor that and support them in that responsibility however and whenever possible. As a center, our teaching philosophy is progressive. We believe that we are constantly learning through our experiences. In our program, children are given the autonomy to choose activities based on their current interests. These interests direct our curriculum and how it is implemented amongst age groups. We believe that children learn best through play in a safe and nurturing environment. The play-based preschool philosophy is designed to enrich the whole child, including social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and creative development. We also include emergent learning which ties into their play through a curriculum that is closely connected to their interests and follows the Montana Early Learning Standards (MELS). It is a term used to describe a flexible pedagogical approach that relies on the children's interests and the circumstances of the day to dictate the learning content. We are a STARS and CACFP Provider.

NOW ENROLLING… Infants, Waddlers, Toddlers & Preschool Ages

We accept private pay & Best Beginnings scholarships. We are expanding our care options to provide full-time, and part-time. See details on enrollment below.

Our Yearly Schedule

This handbook will answer common questions and outline our policies. We prioritize strong communication with families and emphasize partnerships with the community. Our approach to child care and education focuses on personalized learning through play and research-based curriculum. Please read this handbook and adhere to the policies outlined. We value your feedback on your child’s experience and our program.

About Us

Location: 121 S. Willson, Bozeman MT

Phone: (406) 551-7215

Parent Drop Off (with parent door code) at alley door.

Director: Misti Davis

Current Operating Hours: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday thru Friday

2024 Tuition Rate: $1250/month *sibling and employee discounts to be applied as applicable. Tuition is increased by a maximum of 10% annually.

Part-Time Tuition Option: $65/day

As a licensed program, all children/families must complete our full enrollment process.

"This institution is an equal opportunity provider."  As a CACFP Provider- our program provides breakfast, lunch and PM snack.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

As a CACFP Provider- our program provides breakfast, lunch and PM snack.

Enrollment Process at The Gathering Place CLC

To enroll your children at a daycare, there are a few important steps to follow.

  1. Contact the CLC about enrollment openings. Our enrollments for infants, toddlers and preschoolers are based on openings, staff and licensing requirements.

  2. Review our enrollment requirements, admission process, and complete any necessary paperwork like medical records or emergency contact information.

  3. Schedule a meeting with the daycare director or administrator to talk about your child's needs, ask questions, and turn in enrollment packet, enrollment fee and schedule a start date. Make sure you can provide details about your child's age, health, allergies, and any specific needs they may have. By communicating clearly and completing all the paperwork thoroughly, you will make the enrollment process smoother for your child at the daycare.

  4. Lastly, make sure you have read and understand the Parent Handbook which includes rules on fees, daily routines, drop-off and pick-up times, and any additional services they offer.

Employment

All staff at The Gathering Place must submit to fingerprinting and have current criminal background checks.

All staff must be current on the Montana Early Childhood Project Practitioner Registry and have had experience in early childhood education or a related field.

All staff receive professional development annually and are up to date on training for licensing in the state of Montana.

All staff are Infant/Child/Adult First Aid and CPR certified, up-to-date on MMR/TDAP immunizations and have a signed statement of health.

Now Hiring!

Full Time Teacher: Toddler, Preschool. Part-Time Teachers & Part-Time Floaters (Opening and Closing Shifts): Starting wage $19/hr ($20-$21 doe).

Paid Time Off, Discounted Childcare for Staff, Flexible Schedules.

For more information contact us 406-551-7215