Play N Learn Academy

08/27/2026

We are just over a month away! 🎉
Join us October 3rd for Teaching Through Connection, Leading With Purpose in Great Falls, Montana!

This conference is all about leadership, connection, and growth in early childhood. We’ll explore what it truly means to be a leader—whether you have a leadership title or lead through the work you do every day.

We’ll also dive into neurodivergence in early childhood, innovative and non-traditional child care, rural communities, and supporting children, families, and providers.

Up to five MTECP Credit Hours will be offered, along with up to five OPI training hours!

🎤 Featured Keynote Speaker:
Mr. Ty — The Childcare Whisperer!
Plus, an incredible lineup of speakers from Montana and Canada!
📅 October 3rd | 8 AM–3 PM
📍 Shonkin Event Center | Great Falls, MT
🎟️ Tickets are available now on Eventbrite! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993493180767?aff=oddtdtcreator
Come connect. lead. grow. 💙
Teaching Through Connection. Leading With Purpose.
Growth in Early Childhood for All — Children & Providers.

08/26/2026

Do you think the rule requiring compliance with child support in order to receive the best beginnings scholarship is a garbage rule? I know I always have! Here’s a letter you can sign on to asking the state to get rid of it!

The state has proposed new rules for the Best Beginnings Scholarship, and one much-needed change was not made. Cooperating with child support has been a barrier for families for too long. The federal government doesn’t require it, and neither do other assistance programs (like SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC.) It’s time to drop this requirement. It doesn’t support families in meeting the needs of their child in terms of care; rather, it creates a barrier for many resulting in the needs of families and children being left unmet.
Sign this letter with your name, location and relationship to the issue (parent, provider, community member) and help tell the state: Please make this change, for the better! (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSdnaTExZ9SjTi8ux-RW5NN0cvaWVsYER8kMLWjJ57gj-hDtsw%2Fviewform%3Fusp%3Ddialog&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cd6404d705de841bd671908df0244450b%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639232164399245802%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Rh6kRMrw2EfNJ7wFxc15XDGrFRYSPm6klaR7TI%2B8b%2FI%3D&reserved=0)

August 27, 2026 We, the undersigned, who are Montana child care providers, workers, and families, recommend removal of the “child support cooperation” requirement from the Best Beginnings Scholarship rules. First, we would like to thank you and all the staff who have worked on the process for yo...

08/05/2026

Mr. Ty is coming to Montana! 🎉
We are beyond excited to welcome Mr. Ty, The Childcare Whisperer, as our Keynote Speaker at Teaching Through Connection, Leading With Purpose! We are teaming up with our good friends and neighbors from Canada at KPSquared Inc - Innovative Childcare Fort McMurray to bring this exciting conference.

📅 October 3, 2026
📍 Great Falls, Montana

This is an incredible opportunity for early childhood professionals to learn from one of the most inspiring voices in the field. Join us for a day filled with practical strategies, meaningful connections, and renewed passion for the important work we do every day.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1993493180767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event. We can't wait to see you there!

08/03/2026

Our hearts are so full after our 2026 Family Appreciation BBQ! ❤️

We believe it truly takes a village to help children learn, grow, and thrive. We are incredibly grateful to every family who took the time to celebrate with us. Watching our children laugh, play, and make memories alongside their loved ones was the greatest gift of all.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your child's journey. Your support, partnership, and sense of community mean more than words can express.

Here's to many more moments of joy together! 🌞🍔🎉Smoked. American Barbecue Let’s Bounce Inflatables Dylan Kumar

07/17/2026

We are beyond honored and incredibly grateful to share that Play N Learn Academy has been voted Best Daycare, Best Childcare Service, and Best After School Program! 🏆💙
This recognition means so much to our entire team because it comes from the families and community we are so proud to serve. Every day, we have the privilege of helping children learn, grow, and build a strong foundation for their future. Being trusted with that responsibility is something we never take for granted.

To our amazing families—thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and allowing us to be a part of your children's lives.

To our dedicated staff—your passion, patience, and commitment make Play N Learn Academy the special place it is. This achievement belongs to all of you.

We can't wait to continue growing together and serving our community for years to come! ❤️

07/15/2026

🎉 BIG NEWS, EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS! 🎉
Mark your calendars because you won't want to miss this!
🌿 Teaching Through Connection, Leading with Purpose 🌿
📅 October 3, 2026
🕗 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Shonkin Event Center | Great Falls, Montana

Join us for an inspiring day dedicated to building leaders, supporting every child, and strengthening our communities. Whether you're a teacher, assistant, director, owner, family child care provider, administrator, or advocate, this conference is designed for YOU.
✨ Hear from an incredible lineup of speakers, including:
🎤 Featured Keynote Speaker: Mr. Ty – The Childcare Whisperer
⭐ Kyla Penner, Co-Founder of KP² Innovative Childcare
🧠 Michael Vaughn, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner of Bright Horizons Pediatric Neurodevelopment Clinic
🏛️ Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves, speaking on leadership and community impact

Topics include:
🌟 Leadership at every level
🧩 Supporting children and families with neurodivergence
🌙 24-hour and innovative child care models
🏔️ Rural child care solutions
🤝 Community partnerships
🌎 Cross-border collaboration between Montana and Canadian early childhood professionals

This isn't just another conference—it's an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, leave inspired, and walk away with practical tools you can implement immediately in your classroom, program, or organization.

🎟️ Tickets will be available on Eventbrite!
Invite your coworkers, your team, and your fellow educators—we can't wait to learn, grow, and lead together.

💙 Teaching Through Connection. Leading with Purpose.
BUILDING LEADERS. SUPPORTING EVERY CHILD. STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES.

Leadership, innovation, neurodiversity, and connection—featuring keynote speaker Mr. Tye, The Childcare Whisperer.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸❤️ Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Play N Learn Academy! ❤️🇺🇸

Today we celebrate the spirit of freedom, community, and togetherness. We hope you and your family enjoy a fun-filled day making memories, sharing laughter, and celebrating safely.

Wishing everyone a happy, safe, and joyful Independence Day! 🎆🎇

06/26/2026

🌟 Join the Play N Learn Academy Team! 🌟
Do you have a passion for early childhood education and want to make a difference in the lives of young children every day? We're growing and are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic educators to join our team!

Now Hiring
🍎 Lead Teachers – K-Prep Classrooms
🍎 Teacher Aides – K-Prep Classrooms
🍎 Toddler Teacher Aides
Competitive Pay
Teacher Aides: $16.00–$18.00/hour
Pay is determined by experience and your level on the Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Registry (ECP Registry).
Lead Teachers: $16.25–$24.00/hour
Pay is determined by your education, experience, and Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Registry (ECP Registry) level.

Benefits
✨ Paid Time Off (PTO)
✨ Weekends Off
✨ Retirement Benefits
✨ Childcare Benefits
✨ Ongoing Professional Development
✨ Supportive Leadership & Positive Team Culture
We're Looking For
✔ Passionate educators who love working with young children
✔ Dependable team players with strong communication skills
✔ Individuals who are enrolled in, or willing to enroll in, the Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Registry (ECP Registry)
✔ Applicants who meet all state licensing and background check requirements
At Play N Learn Academy, we believe our teachers are the heart of our program. Whether you're beginning your career in early childhood education or bringing years of experience, we'd love to welcome you to our team.

📍 Apply today!
Email your resume to [email protected] or stop by Play N Learn Academy to complete an application.

💙 Come grow with us and help inspire the next generation of learners!

06/21/2026

Today, we celebrate all the amazing fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who inspire, support, and encourage our little learners every day.
Thank you for the bedtime stories, the helping hands, the words of encouragement, and the endless love that help your children grow with confidence and joy. Your guidance plays a vital role in shaping bright futures.

Happy Father’s Day!

06/12/2026

Tiny caps, big dreams! 🎓✨ Last week we celebrated our Pre-K graduates and all their hard work. We're so proud of these bright little stars and excited for their next adventure. Kindergarten, watch out—they're coming! 🌟📚 ゚