Shine Early Learning Selected as Montana’s Child Care Technical Assistance Provider

The Early Childhood and Family Support Division (ECFSD) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have announced Shine Early Learning has been selected as the state’s new Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) regulatory and quality technical assistance provider.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey with early childhood leaders to support and empower Montana’s child care providers and improve access for families,” said Charlie Geier, President of Shine Early Learning. “We are honored to have been entrusted by the DPHHS and the ECFS Division with this vital work of creating the best possible future for Montana’s children and the incredible individuals who care for them.”

Shine Early Learning has established SPARK Learning Lab Montana, which will have a local staff based in Montana, led by recently announced Project Director Sandy Cade from Belgrade and Deputy Director Cindy Straughn from Helena. SPARK Montana will partner closely with the state’s key early childhood organizations, including the Montana Association for the Education of Young Children and the Montana Family Childcare Network, to build and deepen connections with providers and organizations around the state. SPARK Montana is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for Montana’s child care providers and providing comprehensive technical assistance and support to child care programs throughout the state. 

“We are committed to serving Montana’s early child care providers. One of the critical areas we will focus our initial efforts on is ensuring licensed and registered caregivers in Montana have access to fingerprinting so they can meet background check requirements,” said Ken Taylor, Vice President of Shine Early Learning.”  

SPARK will prioritize transparent communication, share timely updates, and provide opportunities for providers to connect with the team working across the state to build community connections, knowledge, and engagement. Partnerships will play a vital role in strengthening Montana’s early childhood and school-age care workforce and ensuring that providers have the tools, resources, and ongoing support they need to serve their communities. 

Since 2011, Shine Early Learning has worked with states, municipalities, school districts, and individual child care providers to implement research-based practices that deliver positive results for children, families and communities. Shine Early Learning builds capacity and expertise with individual providers and state-wide educational systems.

To learn more about SPARK Montana, including information about fingerprinting services, please visit www.sparkmontana.com.

This project is funded in whole or in part under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.  The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department.