A small child care home in Billings, Montana

First Things Child Care opened in 2021 on Lincoln Lane in Billings, Montana, and is owned and directed by Michael Devaney. Montana DPHHS licenses it as a small-scale commercial family home, which makes it more personal than a center and larger than in-home daycare. It cares for up to 10 children ages 1 to 6.

Care runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Families can choose full-time, part-time, half-day, or flexible schedules, and limited after-school care is available.

Play-based, outdoors, and screen-free

First Things combines play-based, forest school-style learning with some direct instruction. Children spend 2 to 4 hours outside every day in all seasons, and the program has zero screen time: no TV, movies, or video games.

The day follows a steady routine of table time, free play, lessons, singing, outdoor play, lunch, an afternoon rest, and story time. Phonics-based reading starts at age four, and children practise counting and comparing numbers. Snacks use organic produce, and Bible verses are part of lunchtime.

Ages served: 1 through 6 years.

Religious affiliation: Christian.

Parent reviews

First Things has seven five-star reviews on Google.

Programs, access, and how to connect

CACFP / CCDF: First Things accepts child care subsidy, including Montana’s Best Beginnings scholarship and military child care subsidy (MCCYN). It does not participate in CACFP.

Contact: 705 Lincoln Lane, Billings, MT 59105 (entrance on the south side). Call or text 406-534-3442, email info@firstthingschildcare.com, or visit firstthingschildcare.com.