July 20, 2009. Morningstar Learning Center Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, is pleased to announce that it is now offering fully licensed infant and toddler care at its Big Sky Meadow Center location, in addition to the early education programs currently offered for preschoolers. This opening marks the first time since 2005 that the community of Big Sky will have licensed full time infant and toddler care. Furthermore, the infant care rates outlined below are the same that were offered at Big Sky Infant & Toddler Care 5 years ago!
Infants: (ages 6 months - 24 months) - $70 per day or $45 for half day from 9am-12:30pm.
Toddlers: (ages 24 months – 36 months) $55 per day
Summer hours: 9:00am-4:00pm. Monday thru Thursday
After Labor Day: 8:00am-5:30pm. Monday thru Thursday
(Above rates will remain the same after Labor Day)
Morningstar Learning Center hopes to begin construction soon on its 8,700 square foot LEED certified early education and childcare facility in the Big Sky Town Center on a site that was generously donated by the Simkins Family and the TCOA.  Morningstar has applied for a construction loan through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan Program. In March 2009, the Office of General Counsel in Washington, DC determined that Morningstar was an eligible organization for such a loan under this program and the approval process is underway. As part of the approval process, Morningstar was required to have an independent firm conduct a feasibility study. THK Associates, Inc., an Aurora, Colorado company, has completed Phase One of the study and concluded that the new Morningstar Learning Center in Town Center would be at full capacity of 125-130 children within five years.
For more information on Morningstar Interim Preschool or Infant & Toddler Care programs and rates, please contact Robbeye Samardich at 406-995-2565.
For information on naming rights in the new facility, please call Laura Sacchi at 406-570-9651. Please visit the Morningstar website www.morningstarlearningcenter.org for progress on the project and information on upcoming events.
Also, come visit Morningstar’s booth at the Town Center Farmers’ Market every other Thursday and buy a bag of Morningstar Organic Coffee, a Pura Stainless water bottle, a Planetary Design travel mug or French press, or one of Miss Aletha’s fabulous hand-crafted hula hoops. Morningstar Learning Center really appreciates your support!  Donations are tax-deductible.