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The Best Preschools in Highwood, MT

Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Highwood. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.

3 Quality Preschools
4.7 Average Rating

Great Falls Early Learning Center

Independent

4.8/ 5.0
12 years experience

A highly-regarded early learning center located approximately 40 miles from Highwood, serving families throughout the region. The center features a comprehensive preschool curriculum focused on social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM foundations. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in Montessori-inspired methods. The facility maintains excellent safety protocols with secure entry systems and comprehensive background checks. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment and strong kindergarten preparation program.

Programs Offered:

Preschool ProgramEarly Childhood EducationKindergarten ReadinessFull-Day Care
1400 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT 59401

Bright Horizons at Great Falls

Bright Horizons Family Solutions

4.6/ 5.0
8 years experience

Part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this center serves the Greater Great Falls area including Highwood families. The preschool program emphasizes play-based learning with structured curriculum components in language development, mathematics, and social studies. Features low student-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. The center maintains rigorous safety standards including comprehensive health protocols and secure facility access. Parents appreciate the consistent communication and developmental progress tracking.

Programs Offered:

Infant CareToddler ProgramPreschool EducationSummer Programs
500 15th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405

Fort Benton Early Learning Center

Independent

4.7/ 5.0
15 years experience

Located approximately 25 miles from Highwood, this community-focused early learning center has served families in Chouteau County for over 15 years. The preschool program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and developmental appropriateness. Features certified early childhood teachers with specialized training in literacy development and social skills. The center maintains strong safety records with regular emergency drills and comprehensive staff background checks. Known for its inclusive environment and strong parent-teacher partnerships, with many families commuting from surrounding rural communities.

Programs Offered:

Preschool EducationBefore/After School CareSummer CampEarly Intervention Services
1605 Washington Street, Fort Benton, MT 59442

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about preschools in Highwood, MT:

What is the typical cost of preschool in Highwood, MT, and are there any financial assistance options?

In Highwood, preschool costs can vary, but many local in-home or small center-based programs are often more affordable than in larger Montana cities, typically ranging from $150 to $300 per month for part-time schedules. For financial assistance, parents should inquire directly with providers about potential sliding scale fees and also check eligibility for Montana's Best Beginnings STARS to Quality scholarships, which are state-funded aids for qualifying families to access high-quality early education.

How do I ensure a preschool in Highwood is licensed and meets Montana's safety standards?

All licensed childcare and preschool programs in Montana are regulated by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). You can verify a Highwood provider's license, view inspection reports, and check their quality rating in the Best Beginnings STARS system by searching the provider's name or location on the official Montana DPHHS website. Always visit in person to observe safety protocols, such as secure entry points and clean, child-proofed environments.

Given Highwood's rural location, what are the common preschool schedule options available?

Due to the community's size and needs, most Highwood preschools offer part-time schedules, such as morning sessions 2-3 days a week, which is common for 3-5 year olds. Some in-home providers may offer more flexible or full-day options to accommodate local agricultural or work schedules. It's important to start your search early, as fewer programs mean limited spots, and schedules are often designed around the local school district's calendar.

What types of preschool curricula or philosophies are available in Highwood?

Preschools in Highwood typically offer play-based and developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) curricula, focusing on social skills, early literacy, and exploration through play, which aligns well with Montana's Early Learning Standards. Given the rural setting, many programs also incorporate nature-based learning, utilizing the local environment. It's best to ask providers directly about their daily structure and how they prepare children for kindergarten at Highwood Elementary School.

How can I assess the quality of a preschool during a visit in Highwood?

During a visit, observe the interaction between teachers and children—look for warm, responsive, and engaged communication. Check if the environment is organized, stimulating, and safe, with evidence of child-led play and learning. Don't hesitate to ask about the provider's training, their adult-to-child ratio (Montana has specific licensing requirements for this), and how they communicate with families, which is especially important in a close-knit community like Highwood.

Finding the Perfect Bilingual Preschool in Highwood: A Guide for Local Parents

For parents in our close-knit Highwood community, the search for the right early learning environment is a journey filled with hope and important questions. When that search includes the phrase "bilingual preschool near me," you're not just looking for a daycare; you're envisioning a foundation that will open unique doors for your child's future. In a world that grows more connected every day, a bilingual preschool offers a gift that goes far beyond learning colors and numbers in two languages. It fosters cognitive flexibility, cultural appreciation, and a genuine love for learning from the very start.

Here in Highwood, Montana, you might wonder how a bilingual program fits into our rural landscape. The truth is, the benefits are profoundly universal. Early childhood is the prime window for language acquisition, when young minds absorb new sounds and structures with incredible ease. A quality bilingual preschool doesn't just teach a second language as a subject; it immerses children in it through play, song, stories, and daily routines. This could mean a Spanish-English program that celebrates Hispanic heritage, or perhaps a program introducing American Sign Language or another language relevant to our global community. The goal is to build neural pathways that support problem-solving, creativity, and empathy.

As you begin your local search, look beyond just the language label. Visit potential preschools and observe. Is the second language woven naturally into the fabric of the day? Listen for teachers engaging children during snack time, on the playground, and during circle time in both languages. The atmosphere should feel joyful and inclusive, not pressured. Ask about the educators' fluency and their teaching philosophy. The best programs have teachers who are not only fluent but also skilled in early childhood development, understanding that social-emotional growth is as crucial as vocabulary.

For Highwood families, practical considerations matter. Consider the program's schedule and how it aligns with our local rhythms. Inquire about how they incorporate elements of our Montana environment and community values into their curriculum. A great local bilingual preschool will help your child build their identity both as a global citizen and as a member of our specific community. Talk to other parents who have enrolled their children and ask about their experiences. Personal recommendations in a town like ours are invaluable.

Choosing a bilingual preschool is an investment in your child's ability to connect, understand, and thrive in a diverse world. It’s about giving them the tools to see from multiple perspectives, right here from the heart of Montana. Trust your instincts as you explore. The right environment will feel like a place where your child is not only understood but is also excited to understand others in new and beautiful ways. This early step can set a trajectory of curiosity and confidence that will benefit them for a lifetime, all while providing the nurturing, playful preschool experience every young child deserves.

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