Publications and Reports

Info Sheets
Check out these short publications that address frequently asked questions related to early care and education career development. Feel free to print, copy and distribute as necessary!

   ● All About PS#s
    ● CDA: Child Development Associate National Credential Program
   ● Early Care and Education in Montana
   ● General Financial Aid Information
   ● Higher Education Accreditation
   ●   Merit Pay
   ●   Montana Best Beginnings
   ● Montana Early Care and Education Scholarship Program
   ● National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation
   ● What's the Difference? Approved Training, Renewal Units, CEUs                  and College Credit
   ● What's the Difference Between CDA and an Early Childhood College       Degree?
    ● Effective In-Service Training for Early Care and Education Practitioners
    ● Training Update

Career Choices and Challenges
A news sheet published quarterly to provide updates and highlights about Montana early care and education.

March 2008
October 2007
June 2007
Winter 2007
Fall 2006
Summer 2006
Spring 2006
Winter 2006
Fall 2005
Summer 2005
Spring 2005
Winter 2005
Summer/Fall 2004
Spring 2004
Winter 2004
Fall 2003
Summer 2003
Winter 2003
Summer 2002
Spring 2002
Winter 2002

Training Solutions
A bi-monthly e-newsletter supporting effective adult learning practices.

ECP Publications

Montana Early Care and Education Knowledge Base
A guide to early care and education professional practice: What early childhood practitioners who work with young children and families need to know, understand, and be able to do

The Montana Early Care and Education Knowledge Base was first published in July 1998 as the foundation from which to build the state’s comprehensive early childhood career development program. All components of the program are directly linked to the Knowledge Base, which underwent a complete revision and update in 2003-2004. Be sure you have a current 2004 edition.

One of the primary purposes of the Knowledge Base is to provide a basis for self-assessment and reflection. We learn not only from our experiences, but perhaps even more from reflecting upon these experiences. Reflection enables the practitioner to act in an intentional, deliberate, and thoughtful manner rather than acting solely based on tradition, impulse, or routines. Reflective practitioners continually reconsider their practices and beliefs in light of the children and families they serve. They also examine their practices in light of professional standards and best practices.

You may order printed copies of the Knowledge Base booklet (at no fee) by calling (406)444-3912 and requesting document # HCS-CC101 or emailing croberts@mt.gov. The Knowledge Base is also available through the ECP.

Download the 2004 Montana Early Care and Education Knowledge Base

Montana's Early Learning Guidelines
The Montana Early Learning Guidelines reflect what children need to know, understand, and be able to do by the time they reach kindergarten. They are written to address what adults can observe in children ages 3-5, and the ways they can support a child's individual development. The Guidelines are meant to be inclusive of all children and all of the settings in which they spend time before elementary school, whether that be at home, in a child care facility, at a Head Start program, in a preschool, or in any other setting.

Montana's Early Learning Guidelines are a voluntary set of what some may call "child outcomes." They are meant to be used as a tool for early care and education practitioners, parents, elementary school teachers, or any one else living and working with young children to recognize and support all children at the developmental level they exhibit. The Guidelines are not a diagnostic tool, an assessment tool, or a mandatory set of regulations.

You may order printed copies of the 2004 Early Learning Guidelines booklet (at no fee) by calling (406)444-3912 and requesting document # HCS-CC128 or emailing croberts@mt.gov. The Early Learning Guidelines booklet is also available through the ECP.

Download Montana's Early Learning Guidelines 2004

A Guide to Montana Early Childhood Higher Education Programs
This guide has been prepared to assist individuals in acquiring information concerning college programs and course work in early childhood education and child development. This guide is currently available online only.

Download A Guide to Montana Early Childhood Higher Education Programs (Fall 2003)

ECP Reports

Montana Early Care & Education Annual Report
(October 1, 2005-September 30, 2006)

Montana Early Care & Education Annual Report
(October 1, 2003 - September 30, 2004)

Montana Early Care & Education Annual Report
(October 1, 2002 - September 30, 2003)

Other Reports

View the final report on Professional Development Preferences of Child Care Center Directors in Montana.

www.ccplus.org

Research

2004 Montana Child Care Center Workforce Survey

2005 Montana Home Child Care Workforce Survey (Short Report)

2005 Montana Home Child Care Workforce Survey (Full Report)

The following reports are not available electronically. To receive a printed copy, please contact the ECP at 1-800-213-6310 or email ecp@montana.edu

Wages, Benefits, and Turnover in Montana Child Care Centers
(February 1999)

Income, Benefits, & Characteristics of Montana Family & Group Child Care Providers in Home Settings
(June 1999)

Updated 7/1/2008