WonderLab Preschool
Wisdom begins in wonder.
ExplorationWorks' WonderLab Preschool is a unique preschool nestled within the walls of our museum that caters to children ages 2 - 5. This enriching program includes is a blended combination of early STEM education and nature-based learning. Our supportive environment fosters independence and collaborative play to build confidence.
Key Features:
Small Class Sizes: An 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures individualized attention and support.
Ages 2–5
Hours: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Aligned with the Helena School District Calendar (excluding summer)
Experienced Instructors: Our teaching team brings more than 38 years of combined experience.
Thoughtfully Curated Learning Space designed specifically for young children
Licensed Through DPHHS
Why WonderLab?
Museum Monday: 1–2 hours of weekly free play and exploration in the museum
Visiting Scientist Program: Weekly lessons from ExplorationWorks educators and local community scientists
Weekly Music Lessons
Monthly Newsletter to keep families informed and engaged
“Bring a Grown-Up to School” Nights twice per year
Parent–Teacher Conferences
School Pictures
Seasonal Celebrations: Feast Day, Christmas, Valentine’s Tea, and Graduation
Enrollment Information:
We are currently open for enrollment with some full and part time spots available. Click here to join the wait list.
Monthly Rates:
Monday - Friday: $1275
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: $725
Tuesday & Thursday: $550
Tuition includes the full day from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm. There are no additional fees for early or after care.
Families are encouraged to apply, and those eligible for Best Beginnings scholarships will be considered.
Questions? Please contact Shannon Thomas, shannont@explorationworks.org or 406.457.1800 ext. 5
WonderLab FAQs
Can we go all year? WonderLab runs all through the summer!
Do siblings get a discount? We do not give a discount, but siblings will be given priority registration.
Where do students play outside? Students will use the outdoor classroom for daily recesses and lessons, they will also walk to Centennial park weekly.
Does my child need to be potty trained? We ask that your child is independently toileting (able to undress/dress and wipe) when they begin at WonderLab.
What do students learn? Our teachers use a variety of resources and curriculum to ensure students gain foundational skills while developing socially and emotionally. There is a strong influence on early STEM education with music, nature, art, and environmental appreciation integrated into our lessons and routines. Our students leave WonderLab ready to thrive in kindergarten.
How are kids split up? Students of all ages will be in one classroom together. This provides positive peer modeling and interactions. Teachers will give small group lessons to different skill groups.
Is there a resting/nap time? Yes, we schedule a resting a resting period after lunch. Nappers will have a quiet area to sleep as needed. Non-nappers will rest and be able to do quiet activities at their mat.
Is the preschool separate from museum operations? Yes, WonderLab Preschool maintains its own distinct space to create a dedicated learning environment.
Have more questions? No problem! Please reach out to Preschool Director, Shannon Thomas, at shannont@explorationworks.org.
Meet the Team
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Shannon Thomas
WonderLab Director and Fundraising Specialist
Shannon is a native of Helena and has always loved it here. She graduated in 2007 from Carroll College with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. After graduation, Shannon worked for several years both in public school and private pre-school before stepping away from teaching. She is very excited to return to an educational environment!
Shannon loves to spend time reading, being in the sunshine and cheering for the Red Sox & Boston Bruins. She lives with her husband James, son Jackson and their cats, dogs and goldfish.
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Haley Manska
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Haley Manska was born and raised in Helena, MT. She graduated from Helena High School in 2018, and immediately began working with children as a nanny. In her years after graduating she has traveled to Belgium, Italy and Norway to visit her family there. She had worked at Bloom Montessori since 2019, and continues to enjoy spending her time in the classroom setting. Haley now lives in Clancy, MT with her partner and step daughter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and going camping. She has learned much over her years working with children and is very excited to be a part of the WonderLab team!
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Lauren Rivers
Early Childhood Lead Teacher
Lauren first came to Montana in 2009, searching for something to feed her soul. After teaching outdoor programs for several years, she discovered a parallel passion for informal science education. She joined the ExplorationWorks team in 2015, where she has piloted outdoor science programs, taught robotics classes, and started a club to empower girls to succeed in STEM fields.
Lauren recently spent a year as a forest preschool teacher, where she recognized a deep community need for STEM-focused early childhood education. She was thrilled to return to her ExplorationWorks family in 2024 to help launch the new WonderLab preschool.
When not flipping rocks in search of bugs or playing with messy science, Lauren can be found biking, camping or geocaching with her husband Andrew, their twin boys Ansel and Everett, and Seeley the adventure dog. She heartily dislikes celery and considers kite-flying to be a transcendent experience.
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Taylor Hayes
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Taylor was raised in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 2022. She is currently working towards her bachelor’s in elementary education while gaining experience in the classroom setting! She has worked with children all throughout her life and has been in the classroom since graduating high school. When she’s not studying she loves spending time with her loved ones. Along with this she loves to read and create things such as sewing, crocheting, and embroidery.
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Linda Kuntz
Early Childhood Assistant Teacher
Linda has always loved being a part of children's learning! All of her job experience is working with children, she has worked in preschool , elementary school and even middle school.
She grew up in Southern California where she met her Great Falls, MT native husband, Chris. They moved to Helena MT in 2001 with their one year old son, Blake. We knew Helena, MT was where we wanted to raise our family and later welcomed our daughter, Rachel.
When Linda is not at work she loves hanging out with her family and friends and exploring new places. She also loves being creative and making crafts with her daughter Rachel.