Early Childhood Education

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Language – Literacy – Math – Science – Socialization – School Readiness

HRDC’s Early Childhood Education is a high-quality education program for preschool aged children three to five years old. Our program is funded through a Head Start grant to serve 152 children in Gallatin and Park Counties. 

Our focus provides for the healthy development of children and the strengthening of families including early learning services in education, health, nutrition, mental health, and disabilities, and support services for families such as housing and food assistance, education opportunities and financial coaching.

We encourage parents to be actively engaged in their child’s preschool experience, becoming strong advocates for their child’s continued education, healthy development, and later success in school and in life. 

Our classrooms are located in Belgrade and Bozeman, and in Livingston through our recently announced partnership with the Livingston School District.

  • Offering classes Monday-Thursday with five & seven hour classes.
  • Healthy, nutritious, dietician approved meals (breakfast, lunch, and snack).
  • Developmental assessment and screenings including growth, development, vision, hearing, and speech. 
  • Parent education opportunities and family events.
  • Inclusive learning environment for all children including children with disabilities.
  • Play based learning with natural environments.
  • Individualized curriculum for every student.
  • Child Care Licensed centers & a STARS to Quality program.
  • Qualified teachers with bachelor degrees in early childhood education.
  • Gain an understanding of essential educational milestones and ways to support your child in this development.
  • Family Services to assist in identifying family strengths, interests, needs, and goals.
  • Information on other community resources and agencies.
  • Parenting information, education opportunities, resources, and support groups based on requests.

If you have a child three to five years old (must turn five after school districts age cut off of September 10) and your family is experiencing homelessness, receiving SNAP (Food Stamps), TANF or SSI, have a foster child or are below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for our free services through Head Start.

2024 Gross Income Cap by Family Size:

Family of 2: $26,572

Family of 3: $33,566

Family of 4: $40,560

Family of 5: $47,554

Family of 6: $54,548

Family of 7: $61,542

Family of 8: $68,536

*each additional household member add $5,380

You an fill out an online application using the link provided above and our Enrollment Specialist will follow up with you by email for required supporting documents.

Or, you can print out and complete a printable application linked above and make an appointment to turn in the application and supporting documents by calling 406.586.9652.

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with us

Location

Early Childhood Education
32 S Tracy Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715

Contact Information

p: 406.586.9652
f: 406.585.3538
e: headstart@thehrdc.org

Parent Testimonials

“I am beyond thankful to have my child enrolled in Head Start, not only for the peer interaction and structure that she needed but also for the wonderful teachers and staff that she has been able to build a bond with. She was very nervous and scared to start school, in the beginning it was a tough transition, everyone has been able to make her feel comfortable and confident in a way that is fun for her and now she is sad when it’s not a school day. Thank you Head Start for giving my little girl an opportunity to flourish and love school”

“Both my girls are/ have attended HRDC. They have learned so much from attending the Belgrade HRDC. My youngest has been sick and struggles to be apart from me but when she goes to class she tells me all about her day. My oldest, now in 2nd grade loved her teachers, learned so much, and was so happy to attend. Everyone is so kind and helpful. They put the families first. I am thankful for everyone there.”

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Brooke Poole

Public Sector

Since 2015, Brooke has been working with Allergan Aesthetics, Body Contouring. In 2018, Brooke began her role as Senior Manager of Training. Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Commercial Photography from Appalachian State University in 2011.

Brooke began her role on our Board in 2019. However, she feels it’s more fitting to say that she gets to serve on our Board. For Brooke, an evening at our Fork & Spoon was her first glance into our organization’s powerful work. As Brooke states, joining the Board has only expanded her appreciation for the caliber of people leading our mission and the impact of our vast ecosystem of services. While metrics alone are impressive, Brooke likes to visualize each number as an individual example of support – an extension of a helping hand, a moment of relief – given to one of our neighbors. She is grateful for the opportunity to participate in shaping HRDC’s future.

Although Brooke spends most of her volunteer time with HRDC, she was fortunate enough to build with Habitat for Humanity over the course of the summer in 2020. Her favorite place to spend time is anywhere under the Big Sky, although Hyalite may be her favorite place on Earth.

Ron Brey

Public Sector

Ron served as Bozeman’s Assistant City Manager from 1990 to 2008. After retiring, Ron joined our Board in 2011. Ron received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Montana in 1977, and his Masters in Science in Rural, Town, and Regional Planning from the University of Montana in 1987.

During his time with the City of Bozeman, Ron saw the important role that HRDC has played in our community. Ron has seen that HRDC provides necessary social services to assure that all Bozeman residents could obtain housing, food, training, employment and the other necessities of life. He also came to understand that HRDC was always able to respond immediately as new community needs arose. Ron believes that the dedication, hard work, and compassion of HRDC’s staff make it a real honor to serve on the Board.

Ron also serves on the Trails, Open Space and Parks Committee for the City of Bozeman, and as a volunteer with the Red Cross. One of Ron’s favorite activities is walking his beloved dog every day, enjoying many of Bozeman’s trails and parks, like Burke Park, Bozeman Creek, and the Hyalite and Mount Ellis areas. Ron and his wife Claire enjoy spending their days with family, friends, and time outdoors.