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Early Childhood Account Board Meeting: Jan. 7, 9 a.m.
Early Childhood Account Board will hold its first meeting this Wednesday, Jan. 7 from 9-10:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Agenda highlights:
▪️ Legislative Foundation
▪️ Budget Overview
▪️ Board Structure & Governance
▪️ Looking Ahead & Next Steps
What is the Early Childhood Account Board?
Montana’s Early Childhood Account Board (MECA) provides oversight to Montana’s Early Childhood Account, a newly established state fund dedicated to supporting early childhood programs, services, and initiatives across Montana.
Who are the Board Members?
The 10-member board is appointed by the Governor consisting of both public and private partners including child care providers, state agencies, early childhood organizations, and a parent. Current board members can be found here.
Federal Advocacy Update - Take Action 🚨
The government reopened on Nov. 30 through a Continuing Resolution, temporarily funding most of the government until Jan. 30, 2026. Now, Congress must pass the Appropriations Labor HHS-Education bill by Jan. 30, 2026, to fund critical programs like Head Start and the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Should Congress fail to do so, these programs could temporarily shutdown.
Contact your representative and tell them how you feel about the Senate Labor HHS-Education bill getting passed!
Coming Soon: 2026 Community Conversations -
Policy Agenda Road Show
This is an opportunity to talk state policy as well as early childhood issues and concerns in your community in advance of the 2027 legislative session. We are also offering an optional advocacy training session.
Would you like us to visit your neck of the woods to talk about early childhood in your area? If so, please fill out our interest form.
You can also sign up for our advocacy email list and get updates on early childhood policy, action alerts and more! Click the button below. ⬇️
Announcing "Launch Labs"
With the release of the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services Bright Futures reports,
Montana has a comprehensive road map for strengthening early childhood systems. In response, the Montana Early Childhood Network is hosting a series of “Launch Labs” to bring partners together from across the state to work on each of the five priority areas of the strategic plan to help turn these reports into action.
Meeting Schedule:
🔸 Jan. 28: Expanding equitable access to affordable, high-quality early childhood services
🔸 Feb. 25: Strengthening and retaining the early childhood workforce
🔸 March 25: Improving coordination and navigation across programs and sectors
🔸 April 22: Establishing sustainable governance to ensure alignment, accountability, and tribal consultation
🔸 May 27: Engaging families as true partners in system design and decision-making
January's Coffee Connection will be hosted by Jacklynn Liles, Zero to Five Montana Shared Services Coordinator. 🗓️ Jan. 22 ⏰ 9 a.m. 💻 via Zoom
Jacklynn will be sharing all about AllyHealth, sub pool collaborations with local early childhood coalitions, the new Alliance CORE child care management software for Shared Services and upcoming trainings!
Click here for easy registration 🔗
If you haven't joined the network yet, sign up here!
Trailblazing Transitions Summit Summary Report Released
The Trailblazing Transitions summit held in early November was a powerful two-day gathering centered fully on tribal voices and strengthening early childhood transitions in tribal communities for ages birth to age 5. Learn more about the event and the eight tribal teams commitments to strengthening transitions for children and families through culture, language, and community connection outlined in the summary report.
Family Forward Montana
Supports Employers
Family Forward Montana, part of the national Best Place for Working Parents® network, is Zero to Five Montana's initiative designed to help employers build workplaces that prioritize the well-being of employees and their families -- ultimately building a better future for their business, their employees, and our state.
Want to learn more? Check out the resources and sample policies on our website, and learn how you can become one
of Montana's Best Places for Working Parents®!
Legislative Interim Update
Stay connected with the Montana Legislature during the interim!
Click the committee name below to access meeting agendas, Zoom links and other information.
School Funding Interim Commission
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m. via Zoom
The SFIC is reviewing draft recommendations, including early childhood education, from the National Center on Education and the Economy.
Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee
Tuesday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m. Capitol Room 137
Board of Public Education
Thursday, Jan. 15, Friday, Jan. 16, time TBD, location TBD
Education Interim Committee
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 8:30 a.m. via Zoom
Shared Services for Child Care Businesses
By using Shared Services, child care programs can operate more efficiently and effectively—saving time and reducing administrative stressors. These solutions are developed in direct response to the needs voiced by child care programs across Montana.
✨ This month's Shared Services spotlight is the Alliance CORE Child Care Management System (CCMS) by Early Learning Ventures. Alliance CORE helps child care programs streamline daily operations by bringing essential business and administrative tools into one easy-to-use system. From record keeping and tracking enrollment & attendance, to tuition invoicing and payment tracking. Our next Alliance CORE training starts in February, click here to register: bit.ly/AllianceCORETraining
Zero to Five Montana provides discounts, trainings, and focused technical assistance on multiple CCMS's - learn more here: childcarebusinessconnect.com/shared-services/
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TELEHEALTH
Telehealth and other services powered by AllyHealth support child care providers in Montana and their employees by offering multiple services to help ease daily tasks, all from the convenience of a smart phone 📲 If you'd like to learn more about AllyHealth and how you can enroll for $12 per employee per month, email us at sharedservices@zerotofive.org
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VENDOR DISCOUNTS
Montana Child Care Business Connect Shared Services Vendor Discounts help providers find what they need at a better rate. We have partnered for discounts with Constructive Playthings, Gee Whiz Education, Kaplan, Kaymbu, School Services of Montana, Lakeshore, Kodo, and Food & Supply Source. See our website for more information!
Child Care Business Trainings
Join us for the next Tiny Training Series starting in January!
Using a Growth Mindset in your work in 2026.
🔸 1/7: From Survival Mode to Growth Mode: Mindset Basics for Child Care Professionals
🔸1/14: Learning without shame: Mistakes, Feedback, and Confidence
🔸1/21: Redefining Work Ethic: Effort, Energy & Sustainability
🔸1/28: Modeling Growth Mindset with Others: Children, Families, and Teams
🔸2/4: Growing with a Purpose: Time for a Professional Reset
All trainings run from 1:30 - 2 p.m. via Zoom 💻
Register here!
Montana Child Care Business Connect is offering FREE courses through ChildCareTraining.org!
We’ve partnered with ChildCareTraining.org to offer FREE courses with ECP credits. Learn more & access the courses on our website.
This project is funded in whole or in part under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the department.
