Mission

The Early Learning Fellows (ELF) is a growing network of early learning leaders working on behalf of families and their young children, birth through age eight. 

Our Approach

• Collective Action: Fellows collaborate across sectors to promote opportunities for young children and families.

• Community, Ownership, Responsibility: Fellows experience:

  • A sense of community as a regional network of early learning leaders.

  • A sense of ownership by investing in individual professional learning.

  • A sense of responsibility by sharing new knowledge and skills with colleagues through data-driven action planning.

Action Planning

Being a Fellow means connecting new learning with intentional action. Each Fellow develops an action plan informed by data and reflective practice.

• Plans are shared with directors, principals, or organizational leaders.

• Actions are implemented within classrooms, schools, and community organizations.

• Plans are revisited and revised through a collaborative process that supports continuous improvement.

Impact So Far

Fellows report growth in:

• Leadership: gaining confidence and advocating for children and families.

• Collaboration: building relationships across organizations and sectors.

• Data Use: applying kindergarten entry assessment and other data to inform practice.

• Sustained Change: embedding new strategies into ongoing work.

Growing the Movement

What began in Missoula is now expanding statewide. In Fall 2025, Bozeman will launch its first Early Learning Fellows group, creating opportunities for more communities to benefit from this model of shared learning and collective action.