Learning And Belonging (Lab) Preschool is a child daycare & preschools daycare located at 135 Rtw Education Center, Missoula, Montana MT. Find contact info, location details, and similar daycares nearby.
What Parents Say
Parents consistently praise LAB Preschool as an exceptional early childhood program where children are happy, engaged, and well-prepared for kindergarten. Teachers are described as highly skilled, caring, and responsive to individual children's needs and interests. The facility benefits from its location on a university campus with access to nature, diverse learning materials, and student-teacher involvement.
The LAB Preschool was the best decision we made for our kids' early childhood learning. We had all three of our kids spend two years at the LAB. Here are just some of the things we loved: 1. Our kids were SO happy to go to school every day. They looked forward to the experience. 2. The quality of the teachers is outstanding. We had a variety of teachers at the lab given our time span there (6 years), and each one had a thoughtful, evidence-based curriculum and a calm, organized classroom environment. Some teachers emphasized nature, others art, movement, and storytelling -- but all were excellent. 3. The communication and parent-teacher relationships have been fantastic. It has been easy to get feedback from a teacher or share ideas. Relatedly, teachers have been willing to incorporate elements from kids' interests and cultural backgrounds into the classroom based on listening to kids and parents. This willingness to listen allows the kids to have a sense that their feedback and ideas really matter and shape the direction of the class. 4. Being on campus means the kids have access to lots of cool places to walk, bike, and explore! One day, a teacher took the kids on a field trip to the Clark Fork, where kids observed the river ecosystem, read a book together on a blanket, and had snacks. Sometimes they visit places on campus when events are going on. 5. The facility is fantastic. It's always clean, and kids have access to so many materials to facilitate their learning. It's a warm and inviting space! 6. The fact that the LAB is part of the School of Education means that your kid will actually have LOTS of teachers! Besides the main teacher, there are plenty of energetic, engaging student-teachers working with the kids. Alright, that seems like enough. I get emotional thinking about the impact the LAB school has had on our family! All our kids were more than ready for kindergarten (but sad to leave the LAB!)
The LAB School was the best choice we could have ever made for our children. The teachers’ ability to build trusting relationships with each child is truly a gift. They strike the perfect balance of being loving, kind, and respectful, while guiding their classrooms with calm strength. Each child is treated as a unique individual with their own needs, interests, and emotions. Their ability to literally (and figuratively) get on a child’s level during moments of need is remarkable. Your child’s best interests are always their top priority. You will be amazed at how quickly the LAB community begins to feel like family. I trust the LAB School with my whole heart, and could not recommend it more.
When we learned the LAB was open to all Missoula families we jumped at the opportunity. My sons time at the LAB truly prepared him for entering school. He was able to ease into a school like day, after being home with me, with the half day program then when he was 4 with the, slightly longer, TK program. Through play and the structure of their program, he was able to be prepped for kindergarten expectations, make friends easily and entered school seamlessly. My daughter now goes there and has just loved every moment of it!
My son has been at the Lab for 2 years and it could not have been a better experience for him. He was shy, reserved and nervous about starting preschool and the lab teachers welcomed him with open arms. All the teachers are extremely professional, caring and supportive. They truly care about shaping the child academically but emotionally as well. They go above and beyond to be inclusive, supportive and caring. We couldn’t recommend the lab enough!
The LAB Preschool is incredibly near and dear to my heart. I attended as a child, and now having my own child attend is such a special, full-circle moment for our family. From the moment you walk in, you can feel how much care, intention, and love goes into everything they do. The staff is truly exceptional. Every teacher is kind, patient, attentive, and genuinely invested in the children’s growth and well-being. They create an environment where kids feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. The building itself is warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed for little learners. Since starting in the fall, we have already seen so much growth in our child- socially, emotionally, and academically. He comes home excited to share what he’s learned, the friends he’s made, and the fun activities from his day. It’s clear that he is not only learning, but thriving. We feel completely confident and at peace knowing our child is in such capable and caring hands each day. The LAB Preschool is a truly special place!