The Butler Center for Early Learning Will Provide Childcare to 72 Kids in Bismarck

This article originally appeared on and was written for Bismarck/Mandan Chamber EDC by Golden Shovel Agency.

Families in Bismarck, North Dakota, have a new childcare option supported by the University of Mary. The Butler Center for Early Learning opened in June 2025 and welcomed its first group of infants, toddlers, and children.

“Our primary challenge during the first few weeks was how new everything was,” says Jennifer Barry, Director at the Butler Center for Early Learning. “All staff members were new, and all the kids were getting dropped off at a new place. Instead of working with a few new children, everyone was starting fresh.”

This project was made possible by a $464,000 grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce. The childcare shortage across the United States affects economic development in several ways. This investment supports families across Bismarck while creating valuable developmental experiences for kids.  

University of Mary Students Receive Hands-On Care Experience

The Butler Center is a unique childcare center in Bismarck because it is part of the university. Along with qualified staff, the school is supported by undergraduate students earning their early childhood education degrees. They will receive hands-on experience teaching kids and watching them grow in their earliest years.

Graduate students will also support the center. The nursing, physical therapy, and speech language departments will visit the Butler Center to meet the kids and evaluate any needs. They can also provide referrals to parents. This offers unparalleled care and allows for early intervention for kids who might need a little extra help.

“Research shows that 90% of the brain develops by age five,” says Barry. “Those first few years of life are critical to a child’s success.”

The Buterl Center's staff and students will do their best to create comfortable environments for children to explore and learn. This can help with child development and foster skills like curiosity that can guide kids throughout their lives.

Everyone is Settling Into the New Care Environment

In the month since they opened, both the staff and children have fallen into their daily routines. Barry credits her dedicated staff for being flexible in their early days and working to create new processes that run smoothly. She is already starting to see how team members are building relationships across the center.

“I recently stopped by the infant room, and it was heartwarming to see the babies reaching out to one of my team members,” says Barry. “It’s amazing how quickly relationships form between a child and caregiver in a safe atmosphere.”

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