MPI-Cold Springs
Young Learners Program (ages 1-3)


Primary Classroom (ages 3-6)


​MPI-Cold Springs
Philosophy & Curriculum
Just like our original MPI school, which has been providing high-quality care and education since 2015, MPI-Cold Springs is grounded in a child-centered approach. Our program combines Montessori and emergent curriculum, with a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning through Conscious Discipline and Pyramid Model teaching practices. We are committed to whole-child development and celebrate cultural diversity and inclusion in everything we do.
Schedule
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Current Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
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Potential Extension: May expand to 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM based on family needs
Young Learners Classroom
Operating Since: March 2024
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Age Group: Mixed-age 1–3 years (children who take only one nap)
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Licensing Capacity: Up to 15 children
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Ratio: 1:8 or less (our typical ratio is 1:6 or less)
Primary Classroom
Opening: April 2025
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Age Group: Mixed-age 3–6 years
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Licensing Capacity: Up to 15 children
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Ratio: 1:8 or less
Enrollment
If you are interested in joining MPI-Cold Springs, please begin by booking a tour on this page.
If the available tour times don’t work for you, feel free to send us a message through the booking site with your availability—we’re happy to coordinate.
Our Cold Springs Teaching Team:
Director: River Yang, Ph.D.
Teachers:
Ms. Maria
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Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education
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Extensive experience working with children (from infants to elementary ages) since 2003
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Experience in preschool/child center administration
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Enjoys family life and cherishes moments with husband, son, and daughter
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Loves skiing and scenic hikes with family; enjoys literature, podcasts, and the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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Has a profound belief in the partnership between parents and educators
Ms. Ruby
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A native speaker of Chinese with a degree in Business English from a university in China
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1.5 years working experience in an international school in China
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2 years at Jeanette Rankin Elementary School working directly with children in various positions (playground assistant, etc.)
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1 year experience living in New Zealand
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An MPI (original location) alumni parent and sub (before Covid) who has loved the philosophy and practices at MPI
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Enjoys playing piano
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Lives in Missoula with husband, daughter, a dog, a cat, and a rabbit​
Ms. Shay
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Bachelor's Degree in Biology from UC Santa Barbara
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Four years managing a research lab before realizing her true passion lay in teaching and connecting with others
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Owned a remote tutoring business for two years
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A teaching style centered on curiosity, reflection, and socio-emotional connection
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A multilingual educator who speaks Spanish and Arabic, she values questions as the spark of innovation and growth
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A year of early childhood teaching experience
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A lifelong learner
Ms. Annette
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13+ years as a state-licensed childcare provider
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Majored in Business Management in college
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Previous experience in hospital, legal, and mortgage office settings
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Proud mother of three grown children
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Originally inspired to open her daycare while caring for her elderly mother
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Believes in creating nurturing, loving environments where children feel safe and thrive
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Values connection and the simple joy of caring for children without the pressures of running a business
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Finds deep meaning in helping both children and elders grow through relationships
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Loves being part of a community that supports and uplifts young children