Early Learning Centers
ASMSU Early Learning Center |
MSU Child Development Center |
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1295 West Garfield Street P.O. Box 174200 Office: 406-994-4326 Monday – Friday 7:45am – 5:15pm |
105 Herrick Hall P.O. Box 173540 Classroom: 406-994-5010 Office: 406-994-3301 Monday – Friday 7:45am – 5:15pm |
Purpose:
The HDCH Early Learning Centers, including the ASMSU Early Learning Center and MSU Child Development Center, provide nurturing, supportive, developmentally appropriate care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in playful, responsive, and inclusive learning environments that help all children and their families thrive. As the laboratory and field experience sites for undergraduate, graduate, and faculty learning and engagement, the HDCH Early Learning Centers are a model of excellence in early childhood education.
Mission:
The HDCH Early Learning Centers are an integral part of the Montana State University community and maintain a learning, discovery, and engagement focus consistent with the land-grant mission:
- Learning: The HDCH Early Learning Centers recognize the unique strengths and needs among every member of our early learning community and provide an inclusive setting that celebrates diverse cultures, lifestyles, and abilities, including special needs. We provide many opportunities for enrolled children, their families, early childhood educators and teaching staff, and students pursuing careers in health and human services to grow and learn.
- Discovery: Research and creative activities take place at the HDCH Early Learning Centers under the direction of the Faculty Advisor in various collaborative disciplines, including early childhood education, human development and family science, gardening and nutrition education, counseling, and nursing.
- Engagement: The HDCH Early Learning Centers work in close partnership with the local community to enrich the well-being of every member of our early learning community. We regularly engage with campus and community leaders to enhance our early learning and academic programs. Connections to county, state, regional, and national organizations deepen our understanding of and impact on the early childhood profession.
Leadership and Staff:
The HDCH Early Learning Centers employ professional administrative and teaching staff and student employees. Under the leadership of the Faculty Advisor, the Program Director and teaching teams work together to prepare the learning environment, implement curriculum, and model best teaching practices. All leadership and teaching staff are registered on the Montana Early Childhood Education Practitioner Registry and are members of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We seek to employ teachers with bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education or equivalent educational degrees and promote leadership development among all members of our team. Our student staff receives mentorship and supervision from the administrative and teaching teams and are a vital part of our program operation.
Enrollment and Tuition:
Both Early Learning Centers have waiting lists for enrollment. If you would like to be added to our waiting lists please visit our ELC Waitlist page.
Contact:
Please do not contact us for waitlist status updates. We will reach out to you if a spot becomes available for your child.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christine Lux christine.lux@montana.edu 406-994-5005
Program Director: Deidre Hodgson, MS deidre.hodgson@montana.edu 406-994-4326
