The third annual Zero to Five Montana Childcare Business Summit is currently taking place in southwestern Montana. This initiative focuses on connecting providers, businesses and local leaders to enhance childcare options to local Montana families.
Caitlin Jensen, Executive Director of Zero to Five Montana, highlighted the summit's impact.
"The trickle effect down to families is that families will have more options when it comes to accessing care for their kids, and also being able to know that their kids are in quality, safe locations when and if they need to participate in the workforce," said Jensen.
MONTANA - Childcare remains a pressing issue for many parents in Montana. In response, Zero to Five, a nonprofit dedicated to early childhood policy and advocacy, is launching a new initiative aimed at improving access to childcare across the state.
Jensen emphasized the progress and problem-solving strategy developed through the summit.
"We're elevating these issues and we're demonstrating that there are solutions taking place and there's always more work to do," said Jensen.
This year, House Bill 924 was passed, a legislative win that Jensen believes opens new avenues for childcare.
“We have just seen huge progress in even the last couple of years of seeing that prioritization exists at all levels of government. And we're really excited to see what we can build upon from here and how these investments will not only help support kids and families and providers in the workforce today, but how we can continue building upon these strategies and solutions well into the future,” said Jensen.
Governor Gianforte participated in a 'fireside chat' at the summit to discuss the significance of investing in childcare across Montana.
Jensen noted the summit's tangible impact on reducing childcare costs and improving access for parents.
The summit will wrap up on Wednesday, September 24th, with more keynote speakers, breakout sessions and interagency discussions.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.