Parent Information & Resources
We want to make your experience at Early Alpine Academy as smooth as possible! Below, you’ll find important information about tuition, policies, enrollment, and resources to help you prepare for your child’s journey with us.
Current Openings
How to Enroll at Early Alpine
We’re excited to welcome new families! Follow these simple steps to enroll or join our waitlist if we’re currently full.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
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Step 1: Check Availability & Take Action
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If there’s an opening in your child’s age group, schedule a tour to visit our center.
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If we're full, submit an inquiry, so we can stay in touch!
Step 2: Visit & Meet Our Team (For families scheduling a tour)
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Tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see our play-based learning in action.
Step 3: Secure Your Spot
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We'll walk you through the paperwork and enrollment forms on Brightwheel, and collect a $200 enrollment fee and first month's tuition.
Step 4: Get Ready for Your First Day!
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Review our Parent Handbook, tuition policies, and supply list so your child has a smooth transition.
Tuition
We strive to provide high-quality early education at a competitive rate. You'll find our tuition rates, payment policies, and available programs. Please contact us if you have any questions about enrollment.
Early Explorers + Tiny Thinkers
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5 Days/Week: $1,9445
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3 Days/Week: $1,326
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2 Days/Week: $960
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Little Learners + Preschool
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5 Days/Week: $1,556
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3 Days/Week: $1,095
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2 Days/Week: $804
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Extended Care
Sunrise Program
7:30-8 AM: $50/month
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Alpen Glow Program
4-5 PM: $150/month
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Sunset Program
4-6 PM: $250/month
School Policies and Parent Handbook
At Early Alpine Academy, we want to make sure every child has a safe, happy, and structured learning experience. Below are some of our key policies, and you can download our full Parent Handbook for all the details.
Drop Off and Pick Up
We want drop-off and pick-up to be smooth and stress-free for everyone! Here’s what to keep in mind:
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Drop-off is by 10:00 AM unless arranged ahead of time (like for doctor’s appointments or lessons).
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Morning snack is from 8:30-9:00 AM—if arriving after 9:00, please give your little one a snack before coming.
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Check-in & check-out through Brightwheel is required at drop-off and pick-up—quick and easy!
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Pick-up is at 4:00 PM (or 5:00/6:00 PM for Alpen Glow Care families).
Attendance & Absence Policy
We love seeing your little one every day, but we understand that things come up! Here’s what to keep in mind:
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If your child will be absent, just send us a quick message via Brightwheel
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Tuition stays the same even if your child misses a day (including vacations, sick days, or parental leave)—this helps us keep their spot secure!
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If your family takes an extended break (like summer vacation), tuition is still required to hold your child's place.
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If your child is feeling under the weather, please check our health policy to see when they can return (typically after 24 hours fever-free without medication).
Health & Safety Policy
​At Early Alpine, your child’s health and safety are our top priorities! Here’s what to keep in mind:
Illness Policy
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To keep everyone feeling their best, please keep your child home if they have:
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Fever (100.4°F+), vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms
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A persistent cough, rash, or illness that may spread
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Kids can return once they’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours without medication (or with a doctor’s note if needed).
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If your child gets sick at school, we’ll call for pick-up within an hour so they can rest at home.
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We follow the Montana Childcare Licensing requirements, the CDC, and the Gallatin County Heath Department for our illness policy.
Immunization Policy
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Up-to-date vaccinations are required for all children attending Early Alpine, per state guidelines.
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For more details on Montana’s immunization requirements, visit Montana Vaccine Requirements for Child Care.
Emergency Preparedness
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CPR & First Aid Trained Staff – All staff are certified in emergency response.
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Regular Fire, Lockdown & Emergency Drills – Required by Montana state licensing to ensure children and staff know what to do in case of an emergency.
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Calm & Age-Appropriate Training – Drills help children feel secure and confident while preparing staff to respond quickly.
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Emergency Notifications – In the event of severe weather, power outages, or other emergencies, we’ll send updates via Brightwheel.
Guidance & Redirection
We know that little ones are still learning how to navigate big feelings, friendships, and boundaries! Our approach to guidance is kind, supportive, and focused on growth—helping kids make good choices while feeling safe and understood.
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We use positive redirection—gently guiding kids toward better choices instead of focusing on punishment.
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Simple, clear expectations (Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful) help children understand how to interact with others.
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We model patience, empathy, and problem-solving, encouraging kids to express their feelings in healthy ways.
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Age-appropriate choices and natural consequences allow children to learn responsibility in a way that feels fair and supportive.
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If a child is struggling with a behavior, we’ll work together with families to find the best way to support them.
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We’re here to help kids grow into confident, kind, and capable little humans—one learning moment at a time! 😊
Parent Resources
We want to make sure you have everything you need for a smooth and successful experience at Early Alpine Academy! Below, you’ll find important resources, including supply lists, meal information, our school calendar, and how we communicate with families.
What to Bring
To keep your child comfortable and prepared, please send the following labeled items:
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Meals & Drinks: A packed lunch (with an ice pack if needed) and a water bottle that stays at school during the week.
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Rest Time: A blanket and fitted sheet (sent home Fridays for washing).
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Clothing & Weather Gear: Two full changes of clothes (including underwear and socks) and weather-appropriate outdoor gear—we go outside every day!
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Shoes: Indoor shoes to keep little feet safe in case of emergencies
Additional Items for Infants & Toddlers
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Feeding: Breast milk, formula, or whole milk (daily or weekly supply) and two bottles to keep at school.
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Diapering: A daily or weekly supply of diapers and wipes, plus diaper cream if needed.
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Sleep: A sleep sack for crib sleepers (Swaddles are not allowed per Montana state licensing regulations).
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Comfort: A pacifier or small stuffed animal, if needed.
School Closures & Holiday Schedule
At Early Alpine Academy, we understand the needs of working parents and strive to remain open as much as possible throughout the year. We have limited closures, ensuring families have reliable care while also allowing time for deep cleaning, staff development, and important holidays.
We are closed on the following days:
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New Year’s Day (January 1)
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Deep Cleaning Days (Half-day closures at noon – 2nd Friday in February & 3rd Friday in August)
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Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
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Independence Day (July 4)
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Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
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Thanksgiving Break (Thursday & Friday)
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Christmas Break (Full week of Christmas)
Meals & Snacktime
We love keeping little bellies full and happy with healthy, balanced meals to fuel their day!
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We provide two yummy snacks—a morning snack (8:30-9:00 AM) and an afternoon snack (3:00-3:30 PM) with fresh fruits, veggies, grains, and proteins.
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Parents pack lunch each day—we encourage a good mix of protein, grains, fruits, and veggies to keep kids energized.
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Please skip the candy, soda, and sugary treats—we’re all about building healthy habits!
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Pack lunches with an ice pack if they need to stay cold.
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If your child has food allergies, just let us know—we’re happy to work with you to keep mealtime safe and enjoyable. Thanks for helping us make food time fun and nutritious! 😊
Snack Menu
Week of March 17th
Morning Snack
Monday: Parent Social Brunch during this time
Tuesday: Strawberries & Yogurt
Wednesday: Clementines & English Muffins
Thursday: Cantaloupe & Bagels
Friday: Pineapple & Cottage Cheese
Afternoon Snack
Monday: Mixed Veggies & String Cheese
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Tuesday: Cucumber & Crackers
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Wednesday: Sweet Potatoes & Oyster Crackers
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Thursday: Corn & Veggie Straws
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Friday: Animal Crackers & Cream Cheese Dip