Southwest Montana News

Governor Greg Gianforte, alongside Charlie Brereton, Director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), announced a $24 million investment in Montana's early childhood system. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Montana Bright Futures project.

Governor Gianforte stated, "Promoting the healthy growth and development of our young kids, Montana’s early childhood providers support hardworking families, strengthen our economy, and build a brighter future for our state. We’ll continue to invest in their success as they serve our kids, families, and communities."

Over the next three years, this initiative aims to enhance access to quality child care and address workforce challenges in child care services. Director Brereton explained that pursuing federal funding aligns with ongoing efforts to bolster Montana's early childhood system.

Part of this project includes piloting a universal home visiting program this year. The program will provide screenings and referrals to necessary supports such as behavioral health and economic services for families. Tracy Moseman, administrator of the DPHHS Early Childhood and Family Support Division, noted that many families require support soon after childbirth due to financial or mental health challenges.

The investment will also fund Crisis Child Care Centers across Montana for families needing emergency care for children aged zero to eight. These centers will cater to families facing crises like domestic violence or homelessness.

DPHHS plans to allocate about 50% of the funding towards strategies including universal home visiting programs and crisis child centers. To address workforce shortages in early child care staff retention, approximately 25% of the remaining funds will expand the Raise Montana Substitute Services program. This program recruits substitute child care workers to maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios.

Additionally, recruitment and retention mini-grants will be offered to licensed child care providers statewide. Collaborating with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, DPHHS aims to expand apprenticeship programs for better recruitment opportunities.

The rest of the funding will go towards stakeholder engagement, developmental screening, data collection, tribal consultations, and updating strategic plans based on needs assessments.

This announcement follows Governor Gianforte's recent increase in funding for the Best Beginnings Scholarship program aimed at expanding child care access for young Montanans.