Mark your calendars!

June 14-15: Montana Early Childhood Tribal Language Summit - Salish Kootenai College

Montana Child Care Business Connect Tiny Training Webinars
(1:30-2 p.m.) More info below!
June 15: How to Sustain a Business Without One-Time Funding 
June 29: How to Organize Your Community Around Child Care Solutions 

Executive Director Update

Happy June! This is going to be a busy month for the team here at Zero to Five Montana, and we can't wait to tell you about all of the exciting opportunities and upcoming events in this newsletter.

First off, the Montana Child Care Business Connect grant work is full steam ahead with the launch of the new resource hub and continued connections with child care business entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners all across the state. Child care business capacity building work in Montana is unprecedented, and thanks to the vision of the ARPA Child Care Supplemental funding from the Governors Office, legislators, and DPHHS, we're honored to be a part of it with you all. Be sure to check out ALL the great work happening below.

On the early childhood policy front, we're so excited to keep up the great momentum from the legislative session by launching the pilot below. Over the interim, we'll be working with policy makers and partners to keep children and families at the top of the priority list for Montana. Please stay tuned for ways you can stay connected and engaged. As always, reach out anytime! 

Family-centered early childhood policy pilot announced

Zero to Five Montana is offering a new one-year pilot project to increase family-centered early childhood policy awareness within communities. The pilot aims to support Montana communities to design and implement a strategy that is informed and designed by families who are most impacted.

Community-based teams, and/or groups of parents are encouraged to apply. Once accepted, Zero to Five Montana staff will support teams to develop and make progress on their early childhood strategy.

LEARN MORE & APPLY! 

Zero to Five Montana at MEDA Spring Conference

Last month, Zero to Five Montana staff Caitlin Jensen and Rhonda Schwenke headed to Billings for the 2023 MEDA Spring Conference, “What Connects Us Today, What Connects Us Tomorrow?” Caitlin was invited to speak as part of a panel discussion, "Workforce Development: Growing Montana’s Labor Force." 

It was a great opportunity to speak to the importance of child care infrastructure in our state, and the work currently accelerating through the Montana Child Care Business Connect program, funded through a $5 million ARPA Child Care supplemental grant. Child care was on the top of mind of several folks at the event, including the Chamber of Commerce who spoke about child care and housing as leading economic impacts to Montana’s economy today. We look forward to a continued partnership with the Montana Economic Development Association, and encourage you to reach out to your local economic development partners in your community.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website, www.childcarebusinessconnect.com. The new website serves as a comprehensive resource hub for all stakeholders in the child care industry, providing valuable information, tools, and support to help businesses thrive and provide high-quality care to children and families across Montana. 

The MCCBC website is designed to cater to the unique needs of child care providers, early childhood educators, families, and community members. The website offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and access a wide range of resources. Users can explore various sections of the website, including business support, professional development, and community capacity growth tools. 

We encourage you all to share this news and to go and explore the site for yourself! 

These free offerings are part of a webinar series specific to different aspects of business practices for business owners/directors/managers. Participants must attend a minimum of four of the seven offerings to receive two hours of ECP credit. 

June 15: How to Sustain a Business Without One-Time Funding 
June 29: How to Organize Your Community Around Child Care Solutions 

Missed a Tiny Training webinar? Subscribe to our YouTube channel to access past recordings. Or visit childcarebusinessconnect.com. 

Upcoming in-person events: 
September 13-14: Annual Child Care Business Summit | Fairmont Hot Springs Resort | Anaconda, Montana

Zero to Five Montana is Hiring!

Stay tuned for some additional job positions opening here at Zero to Five Montana -- follow us on social media for info!

Program Assistant -  If you identify as someone who is positive, detail oriented, a great task manager, and committed to challenging but dynamic work, we hope you consider this position to support our essential general office operations.  

Child Care Business Advisor - Are you a skilled business advisor and trainer with a passion for innovation and childcare business? We are seeking an individual to lead work alongside the Small Business Development Center network to support the childcare system in Montana.

PARTNER NEWS: OPI Summer Institute
Early Learning Track 

OPI will have an early learning track at Summer Institute this year, June 19-23 in Bozeman. Registration is open and free. OPI renew credits and MTECP credits will be offered. 

There will be a session focused on the economic impact of limited early child care to the Montana economy, and how existing resources can be used to address this locally. Check it out!