Inspiring Learning. Building Connections. Strengthening Early Childhood.
The BELN Early Childhood Summit is an annual gathering that brings together early childhood educators, child care providers, families, community leaders, businesses, healthcare professionals, and advocates who share a common goal: creating a stronger future for children and families.
Through inspiring keynote speakers, engaging breakout sessions, and meaningful conversations, the Summit creates opportunities to learn from one another, build lasting partnerships, and explore innovative solutions that strengthen early childhood across our community.
Whether you’re working directly with children, supporting families, shaping policy, or investing in our local workforce, the Summit offers a space to connect, collaborate, and be part of lasting change.
Why the Summit Matters
The first five years of life lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being. Building a strong early childhood system requires more than the work of educators alone—it takes families, businesses, community organizations, healthcare providers, and local leaders working together.
The BELN Early Childhood Summit was created to strengthen those connections by bringing diverse perspectives together around one shared vision: helping every child thrive.
Each year, participants leave with new ideas, practical strategies, stronger partnerships, and a renewed commitment to supporting young children and the people who care for them.
What to Expect
Each Summit is designed to provide meaningful opportunities for professional growth and community connection through:
- Inspiring keynote presentations from respected leaders in early childhood
- Interactive breakout sessions focused on current topics and best practices
- Opportunities to network with professionals and community partners
- Practical tools and resources that participants can immediately apply in their work
- Conversations that encourage collaboration across sectors
- Professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals
Whether you’re attending your first Summit or returning year after year, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives, valuable connections, and renewed inspiration.
Who Should Attend?
The BELN Early Childhood Summit welcomes anyone who is passionate about supporting young children and families, including:
- Early childhood educators
- Child care providers
- School administrators and educators
- Healthcare professionals
- Family support professionals
- Business and workforce leaders
- Policymakers and elected officials
- Parents and caregivers
- Community advocates
Because supporting children is a shared responsibility, the Summit brings together voices from across our community to learn from one another and strengthen our collective impact.
Building Momentum Year After Year
Since launching in 2025, the BELN Early Childhood Summit has continued to grow as a space for learning, collaboration, and community leadership.
Each Summit builds on the relationships, ideas, and conversations from the year before, creating momentum for positive change across the Bitterroot Valley and beyond.
As the Summit continues to evolve, BELN remains committed to creating opportunities that strengthen early childhood systems and support those who make this work possible.
2026 BELN Early Childhood Summit
Since launching in 2025, the BELN Early Childhood Summit has continued to grow as a space for learning, collaboration, and community leadership.
Each Summit builds on the relationships, ideas, and conversations from the year before, creating momentum for positive change across the Bitterroot Valley and beyond.
As the Summit continues to evolve, BELN remains committed to creating opportunities that strengthen early childhood systems and support those who make this work possible.
2025 Inaugural BELN Early Childhood Summit
The inaugural BELN Early Childhood Summit brought together educators, child care providers, families, community organizations, local leaders, and agencies from across Montana to learn, connect, and collaborate.
Attendees participated in breakout sessions on quality child care, advocacy and policy, relationship building, and speech and behavior development, along with a keynote on trauma-informed practices and a panel discussion featuring Montana early childhood leaders.
The success of our first Summit laid the foundation for an annual tradition dedicated to strengthening early childhood through collaboration and shared learning.
Looking Back at Our Annual Gatherings
Each year’s Summit reflects our community’s ongoing commitment to strengthening early childhood through collaboration, education, and shared leadership.
Help Shape Future Summits
The BELN Early Childhood Summit continues to grow because of the educators, community partners, businesses, presenters, and sponsors who believe in the power of collaboration.
Whether you’re interested in presenting, sponsoring, volunteering, or attending a future Summit, we’d love to have you be part of this growing tradition.