Parking for Thursday Evening: The Summit begins at 4:00. You can use the Adams Center parking lot (LOT P on the map). The Passport app system is available to pay for short-term parking. If you are arriving at 5:00 or later, parking on campus is Free.
4/17 Friday Sessions: All Friday sessions will be held in the PJW College of Education, except for two held in adjacent buildings (signage will be displayed). Breakfast will begin at 8:00, and sessions will start promptly at 8:30.
4/18 Saturday Sessions: All Saturday sessions will take place in the PJW College of Education. Breakfast and registration will be available as early as 7:30 am. Sessions will begin at 8:15. Parking for Saturday Sessions: All parking is FREE. You may park anywhere on campus!
Travel: For those traveling from outside Missoula, book your hotel early! A limited number of discounted hotel rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown. You can use this link to book your rooms.Please usethe code ECE or call the hotel at 406-721-8550 and mention the code and ECE 4th Annual Summit.
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This panel showcases how joyful literacy is taking shape across Montana—from the research behind shared book reading, to community leadership networks, to innovative partnerships that embed language-rich learning opportunities in everyday spaces.
Facilitator: Dr. Kate Brayko, University of Montana Professor of Literacy
1. The Research is In! Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Reinforces the Power of Shared Book Reading Attendees will leave with (1) an understanding of how Imagination Library reinforces the power of shared book reading, (2) key findings on a groundbreaking international research study of the Imagination Library, and (3) why this research matters for Montana families. 2. The Early Learning Fellows Model (stories from Missoula and Gallatin Counties)
This spotlight will (1) explore the Early Learning Fellows model as a community-driven approach to strengthening early childhood systems through local leadership and collaboration, (2) showcase stories from Missoula and Gallatin Counties that illustrate how cross-sector partnerships are supporting young children, families, and early educators, and (3) reflect on opportunities in your own community to build relationships, align efforts, and advance shared responsibility for early learning. 3. Project ELLO: Everyday Language and Learning Opportunities
The ELLO team will showcase (1) the purpose and design of Project ELLO and how partnerships with Parks & Recreation and Community Health organizations can extend language-rich learning into everyday community spaces, (2) implementation examples that highlight how cross-sector partners are embedding simple prompts, visuals, and playful interactions in parks, recreation programs, and community settings to support young children’s language and learning, and (3) opportunities for collaboration in your own community to create accessible, language-rich environments that support children and families through everyday experiences.
This panel highlights how Montana is designing the future of its early childhood system through cross-sector partnerships, workforce pathways, and strategic systems-building efforts. Presenters will share lessons from the Bright Futures B-5 initiative, innovative workforce development through the CDA Registered Apprenticeship program, efforts to strengthen infant and early childhood mental health and relational health, and tools that help professionals navigate Montana’s early care and education ecosystem. Together, these efforts illustrate how collaboration across agencies, institutions, and communities is shaping a stronger and more connected early childhood system for the future.
1. Bright Futures B-5: Sowing Seeds for the Future Participants will learn about the statewide systems-building efforts supported through Montana’s Bright Futures B-5 Preschool Development Grant and the lasting impact of this work on early childhood programs, services, and partnerships. Attendees will gain (1) an overview of the key focus areas and initiatives supported through the grant from 2023–2025, (2) insight into outcomes and promising practices emerging from pilots and projects—including home visiting, crisis care, workforce initiatives, and system tools—and the strategies being used to sustain this work beyond the life of the grant, and (3) an opportunity to reflect on how the early childhood landscape may evolve moving forward and what continued collaboration will mean for strengthening Montana’s early childhood system.
2. Montana CDA Registered Apprenticeship Participants will learn how Montana state agencies and higher education partners collaborated to design and implement a registered apprenticeship pathway leading to a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for adult learners. Attendees will gain (1) an understanding of how the CDA registered apprenticeship model helps address Montana’s early childhood workforce needs by providing accessible, no-cost training and supportive pathways into the profession, (2) insight into the collaborative development of the program through partnerships among the Early Childhood Project, Early Childhood Services Bureau, Department of Labor and Industry, and Childcaretraining.org, and (3) practical knowledge of the program’s key components and opportunities to participate as an apprentice, mentor, or sponsor within the registered apprenticeship system.
3.. Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies: Infant Early Childhood Mental Health and Early Relational Health Participants will explore the importance of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) and Early Relational Health (ERH) as foundations for lifelong health, development, and well-being. Attendees will gain (1) an understanding of the core concepts of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and why early relationships serve as a critical protective factor for young children, (2) insight into the role of Early Relational Health and cross-sector collaboration in supporting families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals, and (3) an overview of how IECMH is being advanced in Montana—including current initiatives, consultation models, and the emerging Association for Infant Mental Health—along with opportunities for stakeholders to engage in strengthening early relational health statewide.
4. Better Together: The Montana ECE Ecosystem (DPHHS ECSB Team) Participants will explore Montana’s early care and education ecosystem and the many ways professionals contribute to supporting young children and families across the state. Attendees will gain (1) a deeper understanding of Montana’s early care and education system and the interconnected network of programs, services, and partners that support children’s development, (2) familiarity with Montana’s “ECE Trifecta of Tools”—the Montana Early Learning Standards, the Montana Early Childhood Education Knowledge Base, and the Montana ECE Career Workbook—and how these resources support professional practice and career development, and (3) opportunities to reflect on how their own work intersects with the broader system and how to access and utilize these tools to strengthen their impact.
This panel showcases community-driven efforts across Montana that support families before and during times of stress. Participants will learn how statewide prevention initiatives, crisis care models, and inclusive community spaces work together to strengthen families and promote safe, nurturing environments for children.
Facilitator: Brianne Moline, National Association for Family Child Care, Professional Development Specialist
1. From Prevention to Partnership: Strengthening Families and Protecting Montana’s Children Montana Children's Trust Fund 2. Strengthening Families through Crisis Child Care: Prevention, Support, and Statewide Impact Toby's House Crisis Nursery Participants will learn about Montana’s statewide approach to strengthening families and preventing child abuse and neglect through community partnerships and practical supports. Attendees will gain (1) an understanding of the Montana Children’s Trust Fund and its role in supporting prevention efforts and family well-being across the state, (2) insight into current initiatives and projects that build community capacity and promote protective factors for families, and (3) a deeper understanding of crisis care models—including crisis nurseries and related family supports—and how communities can collaborate to address gaps, provide essential resources, and help families navigate challenging times.
3. Play, Belonging, and Community: Creating Safe Spaces for Children and Families Missoula Food Bank and Empower Place Community Center Participants will explore how a community-centered play space connected to a food bank can serve as a model for belonging and inclusion. Attendees will learn (1) strategies for building community within nonprofit settings by creating spaces where families naturally gather and connect, (2) approaches for designing safe, welcoming environments that support children and families from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and (3) ways organizations can listen, adapt, and evolve their programs in response to the changing needs of the communities they serve.
