Since 1985, the Montana Early Childhood Project (ECP) has been dedicated to improving the quality of programs and services for Montana's young children and their families. The ECP is housed in Montana State University's Department of Health and Human Development.

Since 1995 the ECP has facilitated the creation and implementation of a state plan for early care and education career development. The ECP is funded through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Early Childhood Services Bureau from the federal Child Care and Development Fund. The ECP works closely with partner organizations across the state to promote early childhood professional development. On a national level, the ECP is actively involved in the National Registry Alliance and other organizations to promote a knowledgeable and skilled early childhood workforce.

Project History

• Helped create a statewide network of Child Care Resource and Referral Programs with initial funding from the Northwest Area Foundation and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
   
• Prepared A Guide to Dependent Care Options for Montana employers with funding from US WEST Foundation.
   
• Provided statewide telecommunication training programs for early care and education practitioners and parents with funding from US WEST Foundation and a partnership with Montana Public Television, MSU Extension Service, the Montana Child Care Resource and Referral Network and others.
   
• Developed a model employer-sponsored family care network with the support of Patagonia/Lost Arrow Corporation.
   
• Coordinated the Montana Early Childhood Collaboration grant with funding from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
   

• Coordinated statewide public information campaigns about the importance of the early years with funding from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Best Beginnings program.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
                                                                         Updated 11/15/2005