Research
The Institute is dedicated to fostering collaboration among early childhood professionals to tackle today’s most pressing challenges. Through shared grant writing and cross-disciplinary projects, we bring experts together to design innovative research with real-world impact.
Equally central is our commitment to the next generation of researchers. By offering space and mentorship, the Institute supports undergraduate and graduate students in conducting meaningful studies with early childhood populations. This dual focus—collaboration across experts and engagement of emerging scholars—strengthens the field and prepares future leaders in early childhood research.
Demonstration
Advancing model demonstration is central to the Institute’s mission. At the heart of this work is the Learning and Belonging (LAB) School, where both current educators and pre-service teachers engage in coached, hands-on practice with high-quality, inclusive teaching strategies. These experiences strengthen skills, deepen reflection, and prepare teachers to create effective learning environments for young children.
The Institute and LAB School also serve as living models for program design and instruction. Visiting scholars, community members, and stakeholders can see evidence-based strategies in action—helping to shape the broader educational landscape and ensure all children have access to the highest-quality early learning.
The goal of our Networked Improvement Communities (NICs) is rooted in the understanding that achieving meaningful child outcomes requires a deliberate focus on enhancing the capabilities of adults and improving the organizations and programs that support them (Halle, Metz, & Martinez‐Beck, 2013; Kauerz, 2019; Metz, Halle, Bartley, & Blasberg, 2013). To address this, our NICs aim to develop a new P-3 system in Missoula that can be demonstrated, replicated, and scaled to other communities across Montana. The Institute for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and the LAB School collaborate intentionally with Missoula County Public Schools to establish community demonstration sites, and we welcome engagement from other school districts. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation generously funds our work through the 21C 360˚ Grant. Click here to view a visual framework of our work.
The Learning and Belonging (LAB) School consults with Early Childhood Project Based Learning (ECPBL) to uplift and model Project Based Learning (PBL) practices. PBL is a dynamic and effective instructional approach that empowers young children to actively engage in learning, fostering independence, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of their world. At the LAB School, early childhood clinical specialists implement high-quality PBL and engage in continuous reflective learning to design engaging, relevant units of study tied to student interests and authentic experiences.
Strengthening Practice, Inspiring Possibility
Outreach
The Institute for Early Childhood Education is dedicated to community outreach as a central part of its mission. We share research and model high-quality practice through presentations, workshops, and convenings, while connecting educators and community partners with expert training and consultation that translate knowledge into action.Explore our Outreach page to see featured initiatives and partnerships. We enthusiastically seek collaboration across organizations and communities and welcome new opportunities to work together on behalf of Montana’s young children and families. To connect with us, please email info@ecemontana.org.
Research in Action,
Collaboration in Practice
more info coming soon!
more info coming soon!
more info coming soon!
In January of 2023, Montana Milestones Part C Early Intervention Program contracted with the University of Montana Institute for Early Childhood Education (UM-IECE) to conduct a statewide needs assessment of Montana’s Part C Early Intervention program. The UM-IECE team worked with Montana Milestones throughout the process to determine data sources, clarify information, and learn more about current initiatives, strategies, and priorities relevant to early intervention services in Montana. Read the final report here.
