
An adventure Montessori
Inspired preschool in the
Heart
of the Mountains


A vibrant and enriching space
for children ages 1-5 to
Thrive
and Explore!

Where work and play come together
Embark on an Adventure in Early Learning!
Welcome to Paradise Place Preschool! Nestled in the heart of Crested Butte, we’re all about adventure-based learning that sparks curiosity and a love for exploration in children aged 1 to 5. Join us for a magical journey of discovery—call or visit to see how we can help your child thrive in a nurturing and exciting environment!
read moreWe are dedicated to the care and education
Our Educational Programs
Our exclusive curricula, combined with our own digital lesson planning tool, enable teachers to create personalized learning experiences, appropriate to every age group.

Our Lambs class nurtures first steps and first words through playful learning and outdoor exploration. Gentle teachers guide little ones with patience, helping them thrive in a warm, engaging environment.
Enrollment: 10
Staff Ratio: 1 to 5
Lambs 1-2Years

Our Doves class builds curiosity through hands-on exploration! From art stations to a cozy reading nook, magnet wall to pretend play, children discover their interests while enjoying comforting routines like naptime and snack breaks—creating the perfect balance of learning and security.
Enrollment: 12
Staff Ratio: 1 to 5
Doves 2-3Years

Our Whales classroom fosters independence through child-led play in engaging spaces like a farmers market, dress-up area, and building zones. With family-style meals and focused learning on letters, numbers, and pre-reading skills, we build confidence for kindergarten—all as a UPK provider!
Enrollment: 10
Staff Ratio: 1 to 5
Whales 4-5Years

In our Lions class, kids grow in independence while mastering skills like dressing themselves, handwashing, and tidy-up time. With a spacious room for active play, creative art, and rotating Montessori materials, they learn through exploration and fun!
Enrollment: 12
Staff Ratio: 1 to 5
Lions 3-4Years
We provide the main activities
Elements of Learning. Committed to Excellence
Our curriculum is based on the research of the most renowned education experts. Designed by our education team, it’s created to support these important early years, to inspire children to be bold explorers today and joyful, confident learners for life.
We believe that children learn best through play and are inspired by child based learning. We have several different areas of play in each of our groups.
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Curriculum
Elements
Gardening
The Toddler and Preschool Groups have a garden in their outdoor space. Each spring, the children and teachers contribute and create beautiful and educational container/raised bed gardens.
Sport
Children need to develop large motor and small motor skills and cardiovascular endurance. Extensive physical activity is also needed to address a growing problem of obesity in American children.
Art
Kids will love designing and creating puppets and collages, constructing musical instruments and flower bouquets, and painting, gluing, and crafting to their hearts’ content!
Excursions
Excursions form a vital part of a child’s early education. They expose a child to a range of different experiences and enable them to gain a sense of the world in which they find themselves.
Outdoor
Our children benefit from a variety of outdoor play spaces. In addition to our playground, they experience the natural wonders of the forest, the big field, our raised gardens and nature walks.
Math
A preschool math curriculum should be taught using preschool lessons including interactive activities, learning games, printable worksheets, assessments, and reinforcement.
Literacy
A systematic and integrated literacy program promote language development preschool children. The program uses systematic, direct instruction built around a series of weekly books in the classroom.

Favorite places and people - to play in the valley
Read on to understand our differene
Why Choose ChildiT
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Home-like Environment
Children are comfortable and confident in their home, feeling safe and secure to explore and learn.
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Loving Language
90% success rate of children reading before they go to school for children attending more than 12 months.
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30 Day Moneyback Guarantee
If you’re not completely satisfied we will refund your money, no questions asked.
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Culture of Honour
We aim to help all people that come into contact with ChildiT to feel Significant, Appreciated and Understood.
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Orientation Process
Makes the process of you and your child settling into care with ChildiT that much smoother.
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Quality Educators
Trusted, highly trained and hand-picked Educators. We believe that educators play a huge role in quality child care.
Want to know more about us?
Center Information

Our caring and qualified team provides personalized early education, using Creative Curriculum to nurture each child’s growth. Colorado Shines accredited - dedicated to excellence, safety, and joy in learning.
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Image of the child
At Paradise Place Preschool, we see each child as a curious explorer. Our teachers observe and nurture their natural wonder, guiding them to discover the world through hands-on learning and outdoor adventures.
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Positive Discipline
We believe in respectful guidance, not punishment. Our approach aligns with Montessori principles, fostering self-discipline through patience, clear communication, and a love for learning—both indoors and in nature.
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Environment is important
Our preschool is designed to inspire. Bright, clean spaces and vibrant outdoor gardens encourage exploration, while nature itself becomes the classroom—where every day is an adventure.

Support Our School — Invest in a Brighter Future
As a nonprofit serving a rural community, we depend on the generosity of donors and grant support to bring our mission to life. Your donation directly fuels our innovative Montessori-style program and enriches our students’ learning through weekly museum field trips, music and yoga classes, and immersive art experiences.
We are deeply committed to both student and teacher growth. That’s why we also invest in continuing education for our dedicated educators—ensuring they have the tools and training to inspire, nurture, and lead with excellence.
Every dollar donated goes straight to programs that empower our teachers and elevate the educational journey of our children. By giving today, you’re not just making a donation—you’re making a lasting difference.
Help us grow minds, uplift teachers, and transform lives.
Donate now.
If you have feedback or words of praise that you would like to share, please submit your review at the bottom of this page.
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Melissa Mason
“Both our children LOVE Paradise! The teachers are wonderful, the environment is great, and we feel super loved and supported as a family. Paradise is in that sweet spot with structure, where there is enough that children can thrive, learn and be creative. But not so much that it’s confining and rigid. As an educator myself, I highly recommend this school.”
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Kate Fox
“We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Paradise. We moved to CB midway through the year and our son has made a seamless transition. No doubt that is due to the caring, nurturing and supportive team at Paradise.”
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Drew and Noelle Larson
“We love sending our kids here because of the outstanding teachers who work so hard to make the school a success. I trust the staff explicitly and all the work they put in. The teachers and truly amazing! It is a sweet, safe and stimulating environment and we feel great about having our kids there. Thank you for helping our boys grow and learn!”
Children need healthy, wholesome foods
Healthy Food for Growing Children
By eating family-style and serving themselves, children learn about making healthy choices and the connection between food and community.

Fruits

Vegetables

Grains