About Us
At UCCC, children are part of a family of learners, engaging 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 each child’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.
Founded by University Congregational Church, UCCC has been a part of the Missoula community for over sixty 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 Administrator and Preschool Board of Directors oversee the preschool operations.
Mission Statement
Nurturing the gift and promise of young children is the mission of UCCC Preschool. We honor the value and dignity of each individual, while educating the whole child through developmentally appropriate practice. We encourage children to become contributing members of their classroom community, strengthening values of cooperation, responsibility, and creativity. As a parent-cooperative, the preschool offers an environment where ideas about learning and positive parenting can be shared by all. The curriculum maintains strong humanitarian and community building values. We celebrate present-day family diversity and welcome children of all races, abilities, and backgrounds. We seek to be not only a home for discovery and learning, but also a place of hospitality and love. UCCC Preschool acknowledges that we are in the homelands of Indigenous people. We offer our respect for their history and culture, and for the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for generations to come.
