"She is absolutely thriving in Kindergarten. Her teacher describes her as a 'rock star' (they use the PAX system for motivation). Thanks for all you did for her. It really, really prepared her for Kindergarten."
"You truly have a fantastic program and I’m grateful to have found it. It was a wonderful experience."
"I feel like he never gets sick anymore. At his old daycare he was always catching... something."
"I’ve noticed big changes in her since we started. She’s talking a lot more… and better, too."
"Whatever you’re doing… keep doing. He loved coming there and normally he didn’t want to leave the house. Very happy we chose your school."
"First thing she says when she gets in the car is 'I had fun today!' She loves it there. Thank you!"
Welcome parents of kids ages 2+ to 6’ish,
We’re a different kind of Billings daycare (Heights).
You can find us right behind Soda Station and Taco Bell. We’re two minutes from Target, MetraPark, and Gainan’s Greenhouse.
How are we different? Well, for starters, we take outside time very seriously.
We’re outside two, three, even four hours every day, year round. For comparison, Billings Public Schools sends their K-5 kids outside for about 15-20 minutes each day. That’s it.
But putting that aside for now…
You’ll find everything here that you’d expect at a regular daycare: free play, games, circle time, naptime, singing, lunch, and snacks.
(What you won’t find is a TV, movie screen, or tablet. You might be surprised, but kids don’t miss screen time when they have other choices.)
But there’s more, too, because at this Billings daycare…
We teach your child to love reading before Kindergarten
Enrolling now for Spring 2025
You can find out daycare specifics on the About page. We’re a “group” home (bigger than an in-home daycare, smaller than a child care center).
Don’t worry if your child has no interest in reading, stories, or even sitting still.
He or she will still benefit tremendously from our program.
Truth be told, almost any kid would do well in our high-energy, low-stimulus environment.
Our schedule is the “secret sauce.”
It’s the careful mix of learning, free play, and outdoor time that makes kids grow in ability, confidence, and positive social skills.
Our simple schedule plays to your child’s strengths
Traditional daycare can feel very looong for kids if the schedule is loose.
Too much free-for-all play = too much of a good thing!
Conversely, too much down-to-the-minute structure as practiced by some preschools, can overwhelm young kids.
(Sitting still for long stretches and staying focused is asking a lot from them!)
At First Things, we understand your child’s frame.
We don’t expect them to act like lil’ adults.
Your child will leave with you at the end of the day neither exhausted nor hyper.
Here’s what a typical day looks like:
| Time | Activity |
| 7:30-8am | Table Time (Coloring, Puzzles, Books) |
| 8-9am | Free Play, Morning Lesson* (Reading, Writing, Numbers) |
| 9-10am | Singing, Snack, Free Play |
| 10-11am | Outdoor Play |
| 11-12pm | Outdoor Play |
| 12-1pm | Lunch, Bible Verses, Cleanup |
| 1-3pm | Nap or Rest Time |
| 3-4pm | Story time, Afternoon Lesson, Snack |
| 4-5pm | Outdoor Play |
| 5-5:30pm | Free Play (Indoor), Clean Up |
As you see, most of our day is spent playing, mixed in with specific activities.
Our schedule is consistent. It allows us to manage your child’s energy and emotions.
Kids like it too, because it allows them to “tell” time.
Because they know what to expect, transitions are simple and breezy, not triggers for meltdowns.
(Yes, that includes going outside in winter with boots and gloves, too!)
Be sure to scan the testimonials from happy parents and colleagues.
Meet the Director of First Things
Hi, I’m Mike (Mr. Mike or “Teacher” to the kids), the director of First Things Child Care.
I’ve lived in Billings since 2019 and opened the daycare after interning for 1500 hours at an afterschool program on the West End.
I have four children of my own and they often visit First Things.
A good amount of the programming at our daycare comes via a husband-wife team in Virginia, who opened five successful child care centers. I read about their programs 20 years ago and have always kept it in mind as a possibility for copying (with credit).
You can read more about me and my credentials on the Praise page.
When you’re ready, call to schedule your no-pressure, no-obligation tour:
705 Lincoln Lane, Billings, Montana 59105
First Things Child Care
705 Lincoln Lane, Billings, MT 59105
(Park on Lincoln Lane or the lot on Joyce St. Entry is on the south side of the building.)
Office: 406-534-3442
Email: info@firstthingschildcare.com
(You’ll get a response within a day, M-F, weekend emails will be answered on Mondays.)
Hours: M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm.
(Please note that we don’t accept Best Beginnings. We are not a drop-in center. We do half-days and after-school care on a limited basis but do not pick up children. Tuition rates are competitive.)
Yes, we do! To be clear, we accept children with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. Depending on care requirements, there may be fees in addition to monthly tuition.
We want all parties–you, your child, us–to be secure and happy with your decision to enroll.
That’s why the first two weeks at First Things is a trial to ensure fit.
As for as finding the “right” daycare, well… your child may be happy anywhere there’s a big TV and lots of toys (LOL).
But you probably expect more.
That’s why tours are so important.
When you visit us, you can ask questions. Simple questions, hard questions.
You can watch how your child interacts with the space.
Ultimately, after due diligence (recommendations, research) you have to go with your gut. The way you feel during the initial tour is a good indicator of how you’ll feel, daily, once your child enrolls.
We have no mandatory drop off time. Drop your child off early or late, whichever fits your schedule on a given day. We do appreciate notice about schedule changes, though. When you register your child at First Things, we reserve a spot for him or her. The only thing required is that you sign in your child at drop off.