University of Mary Celebrates Grand Opening of One-of-a-Kind Early Learning Center in Central Bismarck

Montessori-inspired facility rooted in Christian values provides holistic care for over 80 children, filling a critical need for families in the region

BISMARCK, N.D. — With joyful families, community partners, and educators gathered on a sunny Thursday morning, the University of Mary and the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce officially celebrated the grand opening of this one-of-a-kind Butler Center for Early Learning in central Bismarck. The May 29 ribbon cutting marked the culmination of a yearlong renovation project and signaled a new beginning for early childhood education in the Bismarck-Mandan area.

A Mission-Driven Vision for Early Learning

The Butler Center for Early Learning — a licensed childcare and preschool facility serving infants through 12-year-olds — will officially open its doors Monday, June 2, 2025. Located at the newly renovated facility on South 7th Street, directly across from Kirkwood Mall, the center features a Montessori-inspired curriculum rooted in Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values that nurture the mind, body, and soul of every child.

“This beautiful place is not just a building — it’s a living sign of hope for families, children, and our community,” said Monsignor James Shea, president of the University of Mary. “Here, we are forming not only young minds, but also young hearts — helping each child to discover their dignity, to grow in wonder, and to encounter the beauty of learning in a setting that reflects God’s love.”

Words of Gratitude and Community Support

The ceremony began with remarks from Jennifer Barry, director of the Butler Center for Early Learning, who offered heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that made the project possible — including the North Dakota Department of Commerce, the Department of Health and Human Services, the North Dakota Child Care Aware, and the Bismarck-Mandan Knights of Columbus, whose members volunteered more than 70 hours assembling furniture and preparing classrooms.

“In this place, the flames of hope will burn brightly,” Barry said. “Every child will be recognized as uniquely and wonderfully made, parents will be supported in their vital role, and our staff will be transformed as we work in awe alongside each developing child. The Butler Center for Early Learning stands as a testament to our collective hope — a hope for children, families, and this entire community.”

Meeting a Critical Regional Need

The $464,000 project was made possible through a grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce’s Regional Workforce Impact Program. That funding allowed the University of Mary to transform its Butler Center into a fully licensed early childhood facility, featuring specialized spaces for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The BCEL also offers a summer program for elementary-aged children. The building includes an infant room, two toddler rooms, two preschool classrooms, one summer school-age program classroom, and a fenced-in outdoor playground.

With a capacity to serve more than 80 children, the Butler Center for Early Learning is designed to support working families with convenient hours of operation from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

A Montessori-Inspired, Christ-Centered Approach

What sets the Butler Center for Early Learning apart is its integrated approach to early childhood education, combining a Montessori-inspired model with the University of Mary’s mission and academic expertise. The Liffrig Family School of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences are deeply involved in the center’s development and programming.

Through these partnerships, the center will also offer on-site screening, referral, and early intervention services from students and faculty in education, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing. This approach makes the Butler Center for Early Learning uniquely positioned to meet the unique developmental needs of each child.

Support for Families and Hands-On Training for Students

“The need for high-quality early childhood environments has never been more urgent,” Barry said. “We’re not just offering a service — we’re creating a sacred space where the dignity of each child is honored, where learning is joyful, and where families are supported in the most important work of their lives.”

The center also serves as a hands-on learning site for university students pursuing degrees in education, healthcare, and related fields. Students will gain real-world experience through observation, internships, practicums, and mentorship under faculty experts, contributing to a vibrant environment of care and continuous learning.

Accessibility and Affordability

The Butler Center for Early Learning will participate in the North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program, ensuring that income-eligible families can access high-quality childcare while working or attending school.

As the June 2 opening approaches, excitement continues to build. Enrollment is already underway, and staff are putting the final touches on the classrooms. For the University of Mary, the Butler Center for Early Learning represents a natural extension of its founding mission to serve the needs of the region through education, healthcare, and Christian service.

A Sacred Responsibility

“This is something we want to do right,” said Barry. “Because when we’re caring for children, there’s nothing more important.”

The Butler Center for Early Learning opens Monday, June 2, and limited openings are still available for children ages 3 and up. Families with younger children (under age 3) are encouraged to join the waitlist as soon as possible, as spots are expected to fill quickly.

To learn more or begin the enrollment process, visit umary.edu/EarlyLearning, email UMCEL@umary.edu, or call (701) 355-8017.