Bitterroot Early Learning Network
Supporting Children, Families, Educators And Our Community.
BELN connects families with child care, creates meaningful learning opportunities for children, and supports educators through professional development. By bringing families, educators, and community partners together, we’re building a stronger Bitterroot Valley where children can grow and families can thrive.
Looking for Child Care?
Finding quality child care can be challenging. BELN helps families explore child care options in the Bitterroot Valley through the Ravalli County Child Care Portal.
With one application, families can connect with participating child care providers and take the next step toward finding care that works for their family.
How We Support Our Community
Strong communities begin with strong support for children and the parents and caregivers who help them thrive. BELN works across early childhood to support children, families, educators, and our community.
Children
Evergreen Saplings, Evergreen Kids Corner, and seasonal programs that provide nurturing, place-based early learning experiences.
Families
Connecting families with child care, resources, support, and community connections to help them navigate the early years.
Educators
Supporting the educators who care for and teach young children through professional development, training, resources, and community connection
Community
Bringing families, educators, child care providers, businesses, organizations, and community leaders together to build stronger early childhood solutions.
Why It Matters
The early years shape how children learn, grow, build relationships, and experience the world. Supporting children, families, and educators during these years helps create a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
90% of brain development happens during the first five years of life.
That’s why access to quality early learning, strong family support, and well-supported educators matters—not just for children, but for the future of our entire community.
BELN's 2024 Impact
Rooted In The Bitterroot
The Bitterroot Valley is more than where we live—it’s part of how we learn.
Through place-based education, children explore nature, their community, and the world around them. We believe children learn best when they can connect their experiences to the people and places that make their community special.
Help Build a Stronger Community
Creating a stronger early childhood system takes all of us. Together, we can build a better system for the Bitterroot Valley—one where children have opportunities to thrive, families can access the support they need, and educators have the resources to succeed.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, child care provider, business owner, community partner, or someone who believes every child deserves a strong start, there are many ways to get involved.
Volunteer
Share your time, skills, and energy to support children, families, educators, and our community.
Partner
Businesses and organizations can help create stronger solutions for children, families, and educators.
Advocate
Use your voice to help build a stronger future for early childhood in the Bitterroot Valley.
Strong Beginnings Start With All of Us
When children are supported, families are stronger. When educators are supported, children thrive. And when communities work together, lasting change is possible.
Together, we can create a Bitterroot Valley where children have the opportunity to grow, families have the support they need, and educators have the resources to thrive.
