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Early Childhood Programs

The Incredible Years Classroom Program - "Dinosaur School"

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  • Our Incredible Years Staff partner with preschool and elementary teachers throughout Montezuma and Dolores Counties to offer this engaging and effective evidence-based curriculum.

  • Program includes instruction on social skills, emotional awareness, problem-solving, anger management and friendship skills.

  • Teachers receive training on effective classroom management techniques, as well as ongoing coaching and technical support.

  • Trainings are offered periodically throughout the school year. Curriculum and implementation materials are available to program sites free of charge. ​

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Parents as Teachers (PAT)

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  • The Parents as Teachers program is an early education program for expectant parents, or families who have children birth through the first year of kindergarten.

  • The curriculum covers learning activities, development-centered parenting topics, and family wellness.

  • Children receive yearly development screenings, school readiness support.

  •  Parents are provided advocacy support for the child's needs and management tools for challenging behaviors; as well as group connections like Family Fun Nights, Mom & Dad's Night Out and Summer Playgroups.

  • Program is ongoing and parents can enroll at any time. 

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SafeCare Colorado

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  • Free, individualized program for families with children ages 5 and younger.

  • SafeCare Parent Support Provider works alongside parents and caregivers to build on their existing skills in the areas of home safety, child health, and parent-child interactions.

  • The program provides families with free items; such as electrical outlet covers, cabinet locks, and door latches, as well as a health manual developed by pediatricians to assist parents in making important wellness decisions for their child.

  • Families may also receive regular incentives like diapers or gift cards for program participation and completion.

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Treasure Chest Family Literacy Program

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  • The Treasure Chest Program is a free early literacy lending library for families of young children. Each Treasure Chest is filled with age-appropriate books and fun early learning games and activities for families to enjoy together. 

  • Treasure Chests are available at early education sites throughout the community, or they can be accessed by contacting The Piñon Project directly. The Chests are also distributed year-round at The Cortez Library, and may be available at other area libraries during specified times. Please contact your local library for dates and times of participation.

  • Research show that children learn best through play, and families who spend just 10-15 minutes each day reading or playing together:

    • ​Increase literacy levels and school readiness; 

    • Improve relationship between parent and child; and

    • Show a reduction in challenging behaviors

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For more information, please contact Early Childhood Program Specialists at 970-564-3800.

Tree House Early Learning Center

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Mission Statement

To provide developmentally appropriate activities for children six weeks to 12 years, to encourage independence through these activities and to encourage family involvement through literacy nights, parent teacher conferences, and Treasure Chest Literacy program.

 

We offer:

  • Affordable Tuition

  • Ages & Stages Assessments

  • Child Care Assistance Program site (CCCAP)

  • Colorado Preschool Program (CPP)

  • Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) - Preschool Fitness & Nutrition Program

  • Full day, full week, and year-round care for children

  • Creative Curriculum

  • Healthy Meals and Snacks

  • Incredible Years Classroom Program

  • Treasure Chest Literacy Program

  • Teaching Strategies Gold

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Infant Room - 6 weeks to 12 months

  • When your little one starts the learning journey with us we'll work with you to make the transition a smooth and happy time, creating a strong bond and a setting that feels like family.

  • Each day your child will be discovering things using all five senses, copying simple actions of the people around them, experimenting with toy instruments, exploring textures, colors, and learning a variety of words and sounds through playing with other children. 

Toddler Room - 12 months to 2 years 

  • Toddlers learn best in safe, loving places where they can explore in their own way.

  • The activities for this age group are built around toddlers' unlimited curiosity and their natural desire to push boundaries. 

Toddler Room - 2-3 years

  • Your little one is discovering more and more each day. Our approach to teaching this age as they navigate their world uses music, art, and movement, while nurturing their progress toward preschool. 

  • Our time with your child will include learning and social opportunities, number awareness and science, movement and imaginative play with props and dress-up clothes. Much of this time will include group play where your child will make friends and learn cooperation and taking turns. 

Preschool Room - 3 to 5 years

  • With improved coordination and thinking the world begins to open up for preschoolers. Our program introduces language, math, science, and social skills in a natural sequence to nourish learning one step at a time, with individual attention suited to your child's unique needs.

  • Each day our preschoolers explore science experiments, create artwork, play characters and movement games. In this way they learn following directions and other key skills for learning success.

  • Your child will gain independence while getting ready for the transition to kindergarten with a more organized environment. Our passionate teachers will partner with you during this special time making their "senior year" of preschool the best it can be. 

School Age Room - 5 to 12 years

  • ​To meet the needs for busy working families, we provide the flexibility to extend the learning day to after school for school age children, ages 5 to 12 years.

  • We provide transportation and after school snack, homework time and outdoor activities.  

  • Our fresh and exciting summer school break curriculum is jam-packed with fun and learning to delight and engage your kids.

  • Count on our Center for safe and reliable care as your kids explore fun and enriching indoor and outdoor activities, take part in special field trips, and enjoy healthy meals.

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For more information, please contact Elizabeth Russell, Tree House Center Director, at 970-564-9644.

Montelores Early Childhood Council (MECC)

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