Heritage Christian Early Learning Center

OUR PROGRAM FEATURES:

• Qualified and Caring Staff
• Low Staff/Child Ratios
• Quality Learning Environment
• Age-appropriate Learning Activities
• Bible Stories and Activities each week
• Open Door Policy
• Parent-Friendly Hours and Fees
• Nutritious Snack and Meals Daily

**”We participate in the Child Care and Adult Food Program and are an equal opportunity provider under the CACFP.”

HISTORY

Heritage Christian Early Learning Center is a part of Heritage Christian School and is a state licensed, non-profit early childhood program. The Early Learning Center was formed when an administrator saw the need for a larger early childhood foundation in the school. Upon research and much prayer it was determined that there was a need for Christian childcare in the area as well as preschool. Heritage Christian School decided to fill that need and opened their doors on September 2002.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to create a quality Christian learning environment for children twelve months through twelve years of age. Our goal is not to replace parenting, but to support parents with providing quality care, in a Christian environment, while parents need to be away from their children.

The ELC is a ministry of Heritage Christian School. Our main desire is to teach children about the love of Jesus and to impact their families and the community for Christ.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that each child is a unique individual created by God. Each child grows at his own pace physically, emotionally and mentally. By providing developmentally appropriate activities, a safe environment, and an atmosphere that encourages exploration and learning, we can provide for their social, physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs. We partner with families in raising and shaping the children with biblically-based values so that the children have a sound moral base and are encouraged to glorify and honor God in their thoughts, words and actions.

We believe that young children learn most effectively through activity and exploration in the use of all of their senses. Play is children's “work” because play is the activity by which children learn and develop. Therefore, great care is taken to build into the environment those experiences we wish for the children to have. Our teachers assume the role of guides, interacting with the children and helping them to concretize their experiences.

THE STAFF

Director
Tamara Christofferson has been the director at the ELC since it opened in 2002. Tammy graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1987 with a BA in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She has many experiences working with children, operating both large and small centers. She has taught preschool/kindergarten readiness, special needs children, and has two years experience teaching in a multi-grade K - 3 classroom. She is a Red Cross CPR/FIRST AID instructor, is at a level 6 of 8 on the Montana Practitioner's Registry and is an Early Childhood Trainer of childcare providers and teachers. Tammy accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at the age of six. She is married to Mark and they have two children, Eli and Emily.

Teachers and Teacher's Aide
Our qualified teachers and aides have a strong commitment to Early Childhood Education and the ministry of the ELC. They are dedicated to modeling and sharing God's love with each child. All staff receive monthly training in early childhood topics and are encouraged to join the Montana Practitioner's Registry. All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR.

Office Personnel
The office personnel are willing and able to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. They know all the information about the program and can assist you in the enrollment process.