Professional development is aligned with state requirements and real-world needs. BELN provides accessible, relevant trainings—such as social-emotional development, trauma-informed care, place-based education, and business sustainability—while supporting providers in accessing ECP credits and professional recognition.
Local Support for Educators
BELN works locally in the Bitterroot Valley to provide place‑based, individualized support for early childhood professionals. We help providers thrive in policy, business, training, and community partnership, ensuring every educator has the resources, guidance, and community they need to succeed.
Core Services for Early Childhood Professionals
Providers can request individualized support with licensing, quality improvement, business operations, staffing, curriculum, and navigating state systems. BELN takes a collaborative approach, recognizing providers as experts while offering guidance, resources, and partnership.
Communities of Practice create space for ECE professionals to connect, reflect, and share strategies while learning from one another’s experiences. In a field that can feel isolating—especially in rural areas—these communities help reduce burnout and strengthen professional identity.
Systems navigation is another critical element of professional support. Early childhood providers often interact with multiple agencies, regulations, and funding streams. Navigating these systems can be time-consuming and overwhelming. BELN helps providers understand requirements, access resources, and advocate for solutions that reduce administrative burden and support program sustainability.
Sign up to get updates on trainings, family events, and ways to get involved with BELN.
Empowering Educators to Lead
At BELN, early childhood educators are leaders and co-designers of the systems that support them. We amplify their voices, foster connection and collaboration, and create opportunities for educators to feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Professional Development
Testimonials
State Agencies
State agencies are key partners in supporting early childhood educators across Montana. From licensing and quality standards to funding opportunities and statewide initiatives, these organizations provide the foundational tools and guidance that help your program grow and thrive. Explore the resources below to get connected with the support that fits your needs.
Zero to Five
Working collaboratively with communities, tribes, policymakers, employers, parents and others, Zero to Five Montana promotes a nonpartisan agenda to advance early childhood policy strategies through innovative approaches and sustainable solutions.
Child Care Resources
Located in Missoula, providing practical tools to enhance program quality and support child development, including housing the Best Beginnings Scholarship and access to child care training resources.
RAISE Montana
RAISE MT advocates for the early childhood system and the families it serves, leads projects supporting early childhood professionals (including the MT Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Advisory Coalition), and educates policymakers, businesses, and the public on key early childhood issues.
SPARK
SPARK Montana is a free, statewide resource for early childhood professionals, offering coaching, training, and support to improve quality and better serve families. Providers benefit from a three-tiered approach to quality, personalized technical assistance and help desk support, a 24/7 resource hub, and workforce fingerprinting services.
Montana Early Childhood Project
The Montana Early Childhood Project supports the workforce through the Practitioner Registry and Training Calendar, incentive programs (including Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, and Professional Development Awards), and technical assistance for the training approval system. It also supports Professional Development Specialists and the Montana Early Childhood Higher Education Consortium.
Montana Child Care Business Connect
Montana Child Care Business Connect (MCCBC) supports early child care businesses across Montana by strengthening stability and sustainability. MCCBC offers business advising, training, mentorship, shared services, and technical support to help providers run strong, sustainable programs.