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University Congregational Children's Center Preschool
where 'Play is Child's Work'
 OPEN HOUSE: February 16 4-6 PM
Nurturing the gift and promise that are young children, since 1972.
About Us
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At UCCC, children are part of a family of learners, engaging playfully with peers, teachers, parents, classroom materials, the broader Missoula community and the world in the process of constructing knowledge.
Our developmentally appropriate preschool program promotes positive relationships among all children and adults, and nurtures eachchild’s sense of individual worth and belonging as part of this community.
We support active investigation, creative expression, and self-initiated learning, as well as each child’s capacity to contribute as a responsible community member. We welcome children and families of all races, abilities and backgrounds.
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Curriculum
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 Our curriculum is based on best educational practice and attention to the whole child.
Our teachers are intentional in planning a daily schedule and environmentally-rich curriculum that honors a child’s individual needs and interests. The curriculum supports success and challenge at every level of development (cognitive, social, emotional and physical) and is integrated across disciplines (literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, creative movement).
 We balance opportunities to learn individually and in groups, both inside the classroom and through interaction with people, places and the environment outside the classroom.
We believe that ‘play is child’s work’ and that children learn best through hands-on, process-based and meaningful work experiences. We are committed to supporting and teaching about sustainable practices.
 Warm personal child-teacher relationships support our emphasis on helping children communicate effectively and grow in awareness, thoughtfulness and empathy for others.
While we are a public ‘face’ of University Congregational Church, our curriculum is secular.
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Environment
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  Our comfortable, child-centered classrooms and outside play yard are bright and cheerful. They reflect our commitment to surrounding children with their own work as well as immersion in a literacy-rich environment and inviting opportunities for multi-sensory learning across all disciplines.
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Co-op
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  Our preschool is a parent cooperative. This means that on a rotating basis, adult family members assist daily in the classroom, accompany field trips, provide healthy snacks, and help with other projects. Families contribute ideas and talents, as well as share in each child’s growth and development at the preschool, which enriches the collaborative learning environment and sense of community for everyone. At UCCC, we arrive as separate families; we end up as one family.
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History and Administration
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 Founded by University Congregational Church, UCCC has been a part of the Missoula community for over fifty years, first as a private kindergarten in the 1950’s and, since 1972, as a cooperative preschool. The curriculum of the preschool, while intentionally non-religious, reflects strong humanitarian and community-building values. An Administrative Liaison and Board administer the school.
Click here for our Mission Statement.
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Classes and Calendar
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 We offer classes for children, ages 3 to 4, and ages 4 to 5, either two or three days a week. Our academic year calendar generally follows that of Missoula School District 1, with a few exceptions.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon or Tuesday,Thursday: 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon
 Class size is constant at 12 children for each of the 3/4 year old classes, and 15 children for each of the 4/5 year old classes.
Lunch Bunch Option: For an additional fee, an optional program offered by one of our teachers extends a child’s day to either 1:30 or 2:30 pm. Enrollment is limited.
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Tuition and Fees
Current Year Tuition and Fees
A $75.00 registration fee is collected upon confirmation of registration and reserves a space in a class for your child.
Please refer to the Registration Information and Instructions PDF in the “Enrolling in UCCC” Section, below.
Tuition and Fees for 2012-13
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Enrolling in UCCC
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 Registration begins in February of each calendar year. Children must be 3 (for the 3/4 year old classes) or 4 (for the 4/5 year old classes) by September 10 of the academic year they are registering and must be toilet-trained by the time school begins.
Currently enrolled students and their siblings receive priority in enrollment. Remaining spaces are filled through a lottery held in early March and after that, as space allows, from our waiting list.
If you wish to be included in the March enrollment or lottery for open spaces in any of the classrooms, the deadline for us to receive all registrations is February 28. Registration forms received after February 28th will be considered as class openings allow.
To enroll,
1. Read the Registration Information and Instructions.
2. Download and mail in before the February 28th deadline, completed Registration Form and signed Parent Agreement Form to:
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Tours
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Tours May be arranged through our Outreach Chair
Please Call 406-531-8222
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Faculty and Staff
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 Our faculty of teachers bring to UCCC their education, expertise (combined 70 years of experience and continued study), and enthusiasm – a love for children and teaching. They are committed to helping young children and their families grow and learn. Each teacher is responsible primarily for her own classroom of children, although there is collaboration and continuity between/among classes. Teachers keep families informed about their child and the child’s classroom through newsletters and calendars, spontaneous and planned conversations and meetings, and twice-yearly conferences where on-going informal and formal assessments and portfolios are shared.
Our Administrative Liaison facilitates communication and the work among families, teachers, and the Board and will often be a prospective family’s first contact with our school.
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