Pete’s Place Child Care Centers are fulltime, fully licensed child care facilities owned and operated by St. Peter’s Health.

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Join our team in providing quality, compassionate childcare in a safe, fun and loving environment.

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About Pete’s Place

The original Pete’s Place center was founded in 1986 as the first employer-operated child care center in Helena and continues to serve families at the on-site location near the Regional Medical Center. In August 2022, St. Peter’s added a second facility, Pete’s Place North. Both centers accept children of St. Peter’s employees on a first priority basis and serve three primary age groups: infants, toddlers and preschoolers. 

Learning and play

Pete’s Place’s mission is to provide quality, compassionate child care that meets the developmental needs of the children in a safe, fun and loving environment. Each day includes developmentally-appropriate learning and play that helps prepare children for future success in life. Daily schedules vary by age and location, but include:

  • Age-appropriate play and rest
  • Arts, reading, music and more
  • Creative outdoor play

Our facilities

Pete’s Place

  • Fully licensed through the State of Montana
  • Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program Level 4
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program participant

The on-site center includes classrooms for each age group, including the Kangaroo Room for ages 6 weeks to 24 months; the Monkey Room for ages 24 months to 3 years old; the Lion Room for 3 year olds; the Tiger Room for ages 3 to 4 year olds; and Bear Room for ages 4 to 5 year olds. 

Infant, toddler and preschool rooms follow developmentally appropriate practices established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Preschool rooms follow Creative Curriculum.

The secure Class Dojo app is available to parents, who can sign-up to see pictures, videos and messages from teachers throughout the day.

Outdoor play is an important extension of our learning environment, and each classroom has its own outdoor play area.

All preschool classes spend creative and healthy time outside as long as the temperature is above 0 degrees with wind-chill and the air quality is not unhealthy. There are two large areas for children to enjoy.

The toddlers enjoy their own outdoor fenced play area with a shelter and a huge sand box. There are toys and equipment scaled to size. Toddlers have many opportunities to be active explorers, going outside every day unless the temperature is below 20 degrees. 

The infants have their own outdoor deck and play yard. The older infants may go out to the Tot Lot (toddler outside play area) to play, when toddlers are not present.

Pete’s Place North

  • Fully licensed through the State of Montana
  • Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program Level 2
  • Child and Adult Care Food Program participant

The north center includes classrooms for each age group, including infants young toddler, older toddler/2 year olds, early preschool and pre-k.

Creative Curriculum by Teaching Strategies Inc., Mother Goose Time and Montana Early Learning Guidelines guide all lesson plans and activities. Each day includes both teacher-organized and child-initiated activities, indoor and outdoor activities, active and quiet periods and group and individual play. The daily activities are designed to provide appropriate experiences in early childhood development areas of social development, cognitive development, language skills, physical development and emotional development.

This center provides nutritious breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Our staff

Early Childhood Lead Teachers lead most classrooms. The infant room also has an Early Childhood Assistant Teacher.

Early Childhood Lead Teachers must meet the minimum requirements:

  • Current national Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Associate Degree in Early Childhood preferred
  • Minimum of 1,000 hours working in an Early Childhood setting
  • 60 hours of approved training for Early Childhood Education
  • AHA Pediatric First Aid and Infant, Child and Adult CPR certified
  • Annual 16 hours of approved training
  • Preferred required training from Child Care Licensing and STARS to Quality to our current Level

Early Childhood Assistant Teachers must meet the minimum requirements:

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred
  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • AHA Pediatric First Aid and CPR certified
  • Annual 16 hours of approved training 

Enrollment

Pete’s Place currently accepts children of St. Peter’s staff. If you are a St. Peter’s employee, please visit the People Hub employee intranet for more information or to join the waiting list.

We’re hiring! Join our team

Is caring for kids your calling? Ready to turn your passion for early childhood education into a fulfilling career? Pete’s Place is expanding, and seeking qualified staff to join our team. Our teachers enjoy many employment benefits, including:

  • $15/hour minimum wage
  • Comprehensive insurance benefits
  • Paid leave
  • Capital City Health Club gym membership
  • And more!

Featured jobs

We’re seeking passionate early childhood educators to join our experienced and caring team. Learn more or apply by exploring the openings below.  

Early Childhood Lead Teacher - Infant

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Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – Infant

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Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – Toddler

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Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – Toddler – Per Diem

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Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – Preschool

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Want to learn more about our employment opportunities? Contact Julie Wyant at 406-457-4306 or jwyant@spealth.org.