About Sapphire Early Learning Center
Where Children Move Mountains
Our Mission
At Sapphire Early Learning Center, we believe in the value and uniqueness of each child we serve. Our childcare experience is designed to promote each child’s own individual social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
We strive to bridge gaps and move mountains by:
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Encouraging and supporting developmentally appropriate learning.
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Building a foundation where children become life-long learners.
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Empowering families through education and opportunities.
Who We Serve
SELC offers a wide range of services including Early Head Start partnership, Best Beginning scholarships, Watch Me Grow security cameras, opportunities for parent’s night out, and other special events for both children and parents.
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Our programs cater to:
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Infants
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Toddlers
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Preschoolers
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After-school care for school-aged children
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We also participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and provide healthy meals, including breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, for each child.
Health & Safety Commitment
At Sapphire Early Learning Center, we prioritize the health and safety of every child. Our center is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems and adheres to strict safety protocols. We maintain a clean and hygienic environment to ensure the well-being of all children in our care. Our staff is trained in first aid and CPR, providing parents with peace of mind while their children are with us.
Our History
At Sapphire Early Learning Center, we believe in the value and uniqueness of each child we serve. Our childcare experience is designed to promote each child’s own individual social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
We strive to bridge gaps and move mountains by:
-
Encouraging and supporting developmentally appropriate learning.
-
Building a foundation where children become life-long learners.
-
Empowering families through education and opportunities.
Our Team
Our dedicated team of educators and staff are passionate about early childhood development. They bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Our Board of Directors
Guided by a committed Board of Directors, SELC benefits from diverse perspectives and expertise that help shape our vision and ensure our programs meet the highest standards.
Julie Ludington
Chairman
My name is Julie Ludington. I am a 33 year member of Stevensville United Methodist Church, and I have the privilege of serving as your SELC Board chairperson. I am a mom of 2 daughters, and have 3 grandchildren. I have been teaching piano lessons in Stevensville for 33 years, and am now teaching the children of former students. I love children and want to support them in any way I am able. My hope for SELC is that it grows and thrives, and becomes a vital community resource for the entire area.
Fred Douthit
Trustee
Jaime Devlin
Co - Chairman
Having grown up and worked in the Bitterroot Valley for most of my life, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community I call home. With years of experience directing youth theater and active involvement in organizations like the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce and the Stevensville Civic Club, I’m passionate about building connection through creativity and service. At home, I’m a proud mom and foster mom to a wonderful mix of real humans and a few slobbery dogs. While they may not offer applause, they give love—and plenty of slobber—in abundance. In the rare moments of downtime, you’ll find me juggling family life, fostering pets, or simply laughing at the beautiful chaos of it all. Volunteering is a family affair in our home. Alongside my daughters and son, I love rolling up my sleeves and pitching in wherever there’s a need. Community isn't just something we talk about—it’s something we live every day.
Seth Leypoldt
SUMC Pastor
My name is Seth Leypoldt and I am the newest member of the SELC Board. I serve as the pastor of the Stevensville United Methodist Church having started on July 1st. My roots are in Nebraska where I served large and small churches before moving to Butte in 2022. I have a passion for children’s ministry. I believe it is vital for children to feel accepted either in a church building or at a learning center. I am overjoyed to be a part of a congregation that worked so hard to establish SELC. I look forward to working with the Board to grow this Center with the people of the Bitterroot Valley.
My wife, Sarah Bernhardt, and I live in Lolo. My wife is the Clinic Director at Tamarack Grief Resource Center in Missoula. We have three grown daughters, two of which live with us in Lolo.
Chanda Gum
Board Member
As an educator and parent for over 20 years, child growth and development are just some of my passions for youth. Continuing to build and provide a safe and structured environment for young minds to reach milestones, develop socially and emotionally, while also providing age appropriate learning is something I am deeply invested in creating and maintaining through Sapphire Early Learning Center.
Angela Haugo
Board Member
I’ve lived in Stevensville for almost 15 years and was born and raised in Missoula so Montana is my true home. I have three children who have attended preschool through high school in Stevensville. As a family practice physician, I have the privilege of watching and guiding the growth and development of many youngsters. I know that healthy communities are formed from supporting the intricacies of family dynamics and early education is paramount to this. I am proud to be a part of the board for SELC and the value it brings to our families and community.
Joy Bachhubler
Board Member
I am honored to serve as a parent board member at SELC, where I offer a parent’s perspective to support the vision and enrich each child’s experience. My background as a clinical dietitian has strengthened my passion for care, growth, and building healthy foundations—both in wellness and early education. As a proud resident of Stevensville, I love being involved in our welcoming, vibrant community. In my free time, you’ll find me outdoors with my family and our two labs, enjoying all that our beautiful area has to offer.
