The Learning and Belonging (LAB) School has been a part of the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ campus and the larger Missoula community for over 60 years. In October 2009, our program moved into the beautiful new Phyllis J. Washington Education Center where we have a large, open classroom surrounded by windows and doors leading onto a covered porch. Materials and furnishings are arranged in learning centers designed for small groups of children. These centers include block play, art, writing, science and discovery, math, dramatic play, and sensory. In addition, we have a spacious observation room for UM Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and a seminar room with the latest in state-of-the-art technology.
The UM Institute for Early Childhood Education is a specialty unit for convening researchers, faculty, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, community professionals, and policymakers who work collectively to create a better future for young children (birth – age eight) and their families. Anchored in the values and core beliefs put forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the goal of advancing a diverse, dynamic, early childhood profession and support for all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children and their families the Institute aims to: (1) foster collaboration among university faculty with strong common interest in research with early childhood populations; (2) model demonstration of research-based, high-quality practices through the Learning and Belonging (LAB) School and community school partnerships, (3) promote research to practice across degree programs, local classrooms, informal learning spaces, and community settings and, (4) engage university faculty in collaborative relationships with local, state, and regional stakeholders.
Center for the Advancement of Positive Education
The Phyllis J. Washington Center for the Advancement of Positive Education (CAPE) supports workforce development and champions well-being throughout Montana. We aggressively pursue a vision where individuals, communities, and workplaces are valued for their strengths, skills, and virtues rather than labeled for their deficits and challenges. Our passion is in positive education, and although our primary focus is on how positive education can support Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, educators, and the overall school environment, we believe these same principles can be applied to all workplaces and to individuals in all walks of life. We offer trainings in diverse settings to assist people in identifying their strengths and developing techniques that enhance their well-being and quality of life.
The Montana Safe Schools Center was endorsed by the Superintendent of Montana's Office Public Instruction in 2005 and approved by the Montana University System Board of Regents in 2006. However, our organization has been working since 1999, providing training, research, and professional development services to schools and communities across Montana and the U.S.
The National Native Children’s Trauma Center is a Category II Treatment and Service Adaptation Center within the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Our center provides national expertise on childhood trauma among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and offers training and consultations to community agencies, tribal programs, clinicians, school personnel, technicians, and families on the impacts and prevention of childhood traumatic stress.
The Montana Digital Academy is specifically designed to provide unique educational opportunities to Montana Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and schools. Need to make up a core class? MTDA offers many of the basics. For Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ looking for a new challenge, we offer AP* classes. We also have elective courses that expose Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to subjects that may not be available in their local schools. MTDA puts no limits on learning. Students can access coursework whenever and wherever they want. This way course conflicts are completely eliminated allowing more Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to graduate on time.