Gateway to Early Learning
540 4th Avenue West, Columbia Falls, MT
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Outside Kids is a licensed child care center in Columbia Falls, Montana. It is licensed by the state, for up to 31 children, serving toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It describes its programs: full-time care and preschool. It says it provides meals. It lists daily tuition of $65.
Montana DPHHS Child Care Licensing made 4 visits in the last 3 years and cited no rules in those visits. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| MondayToday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| Sunday | Not listed |
Programs
| Ages | Toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: 2-6 years old |
|---|---|
| Programs | Full-time care and preschool |
| Staff | All teachers CPR/First Aid certified, background check required, 16 hours continuing education each year |
| Daily life | Meals provided; Snacks provided. Potty training: Assist with potty training; children do not need to be potty trained to attend |
| Licensed capacity | 31 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Outside Kids lists daily tuition of $65. For comparison, full-time toddler care at a child care center in Flathead County has a median price of $233 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).
| Daily · program, in its own words | Price |
|---|---|
| $65 per day (includes three organic meals) | $65 |
State record
4 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Aug 28, 2025: no rules cited
No rules cited on any of 4 visits
For comparison: 17% of Montana daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
37.95.622 STAFFING QUALIFICATIONS (Facility Records)
“1. All staff members must: a. meet immunization requirements pursuant to ARM 37.95.184; b. have appropriate background checks pursuant to ARM 37.95.161; and c. sign a health attestation.”
37.95.141 CHILDREN’S RECORDS (Child File Review)
“4. Prior to a child being enrolled or entered into a child care facility, the following information, signed by the parent or guardian, must be on file: a. written information on each child explaining any special needs of the child, including allergies; b. a release or authorization of persons allowed to pick up the child; c. necessary medical forms, including all medication authorization and administration logs, signed and updated immunization records, and the names of emergency contact persons; and d. an emergency consent form. This form must accompany staff when children are away from the child care site for activities.”
37.95.106 DAY CARE FACILITIES, REGISTRATION OR LICENSING (Registration/License Process)
“5. Applications for renewal shall be made by the provider at least 30 days prior to expiration of the license or registration certificate.”
Reviews
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540 4th Avenue West, Columbia Falls, MT
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Columbia Falls, MT 59912 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
135 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT
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640 7th St W, Columbia Falls, MT
288 Nucleus Ave, Columbia Falls, MT
1125 10th Ave W, Columbia Falls, MT
1992 Talbot Rd, Columbia Falls, MT
FAQ
Yes. Montana DPHHS Child Care Licensing lists it as licensed and operating.
Montana DPHHS Child Care Licensing lists the most recent visit on August 28, 2025, with no rules cited. It lists 4 visits in the last 3 years.
No. Montana DPHHS Child Care Licensing lists no cited rules in its 4 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 17% of Montana daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 0. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
31, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Holiday hours can differ.
Daily tuition of $65, as it lists it.
(406) 272-9971.
729 Nucleus Ave Ste B C, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. The nearest other daycare we list is Kreative Kydz Preschool, 0.3 miles away.