From April 3–5, 2025, the University of Montana's Institute for Early Childhood Education hosted the 3rd Annual Early Childhood Education Summit. The event welcomed over 230 early childhood professionals from 12 states and 39% of Montana counties. This inspiring convening fostered cross-sector collaboration, spotlighted progress on HB352 implementation, and featured more than 15 professional development sessions aimed at advancing equitable, high-quality early learning for all children.
3rd Annual Early
Childhood Summit
2nd Annual Early Childhood Summit
On April 4th, 5th, and 6th of 2024, the University of Montana's Institute for Early Childhood Education hosted the 2nd Annual Early Childhood Summit. Over 150 community and education professionals, faculty, and policymakers, all dedicated to enhancing the lives of young children and their families in Montana, attended. Attendees represented over 30% of Montana's counties.
Inaugural Early Childhood Summit
On April 6th, 7th, and 8th of 2023, the University of Montana Institute for Early Childhood Education hosted the first Inaugural Early Childhood Summit. The three-day event hosted nearly 100 early childhood professionals, leaders, and community stakeholders. Highlights of the inaugural summit included the release of Missoula County Kindergarten Entry Assessment Data, panels featuring innovative community partnerships, and a national Conscious Discipline training.
Annual Early
Childhood Summit
The University of Montana’s Institute for Early Childhood Education Annual Summit convenes a diverse array of voices and stories, uniting professionals who work with or on behalf of young children and families across Montana and the broader region. This three-day event is designed to be responsive to the unique needs of Montana's communities and features a dynamic agenda, including a keynote address, awards celebration, expert panels, and professional development opportunities. With a strong emphasis on research, demonstration, and community outreach, the summit serves as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and sharing best practices to improve outcomes for young children and their families.