View The State Profile For Montana

Montana’s Participation in the Initiative's Learning Communities (2006-2007):
Montana is currently participating in two Learning Communities: Infant/Toddler Credentials and Quality Rating Systems & Infant/Toddler Child Care.

Summary of Montana's Work as Part of the Initiative (2003-2004):
Montana completed data analysis and evaluation of previously funded infant/toddler demonstration projects and engaged in a planning process to develop a plan for strategic use of earmark dollars. They used information from their evaluation to work on integrating infant toddler training into their statewide professional development system.

Montana's Child Care and Development Fund Quality Infant/Toddler Earmark:

FY 2006: The Federal CCDF Quality Infant and Toddler Earmark is $279,287.

The funds are used in the following ways to enhance the Montana infant and toddler child care system (additional funds may be used to support these activities):

• Infant/Toddler Caregiver Certification.
• Support to WestEd PITC Certified Trainers (approximately 12) through annual advanced training in Infant/Toddler curriculum and adult education techniques offered through Western Montana College of the University of Montana.
• Best Beginnings Certified Infant Toddler Stipend Program.
• Infant Toddler Mini Grant Program.
• Infant Toddler Merit Pay Program.
• Best Beginnings Infant Toddler Mentoring Program.

FY 2004: The Federal CCDF Quality Infant and Toddler Earmark was $286,603.

The funds were used in the following ways to enhance the Montana infant and toddler child care system (additional funds may have been used to support these activities):

• Infant/Toddler Caregiver Certification.
• Support to WestEd PITC Certified Trainers (approximately 12) through annual advanced training in Infant/Toddler curriculum and adult education techniques offered through Western Montana College of the University of Montana.
• Continuation of the Infant/Toddler Demonstration Project Contracts with Child Care Facilities , with the number of demonstration projects increasing over the next three-year period.
• Training in administering the ITERS for approximately 40 individuals