Get Involved
Public Policy
Why Child Care Matters, even if you don’t have Young Children
- The child care industry has a higher return on investment (ROI) than any other industry in Montana. (1) Click HERE to learn more about the ROI of child care.
- Child care is essential to the health of our local workforce and economy. (2) Click HERE to learn more about child care and the workforce.
- Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of life. (3) Click HERE to learn more about the importance of quality learning in early childhood .
Advocacy
Child Care is Essential
With a state shortage in licensed child care, many of Montana’s children don’t have access to affordable, quality care. At the same time, Montana businesses struggle to recruit and retain a quality workforce. More than ever, we need sustainable investment in early childhood to support families, caregivers, and Montana’s economy. Below, you can find tools to help you connect with local elected officials, understand the value of early childhood, and help be a voice for child care in your community.
Public Policy Toolkit
Tools to Help you get Started!
Tips to Help you Talk to Your Legislators
Contacting your legislators is a direct way to impact the policies that affect your community. There a lot of ways to get in touch with a legislator! You might choose to give them a call, write an email, or send a letter in the mail. Here are some friendly tips for how to talk to policymakers in your community!
Start your message by letting your legislator know who you are: simply introducing yourself is a great way to start! Make sure to let them know that you live in their district. They represent you and should care about what you have to say!
State your support or opposition to a specific piece of legislation: This is a good time to be specific. Legislators review many bills during session. Let them know exactly what is in the bill (including the bill number) and how you would like them to vote.
Make your message personal: How does this bill impact you and your community? Let them know!
Keep it brief: As noted above, legislators are busy. Make it short and to the point to keep their attention on what matters.
Show Gratitude: A small thank you can go a long way, especially when a legislator supports your vote. Thank you notes can remind policymakers that you are paying attention and shows that you appreciate the hard work they are doing.
Click below to find who represents you:
Have your Say Montana
There are many ways to participate in the 2023 legislative session- with remote capabilities!
- 2023 Legislative Session Information– Look up bills, hearing information, legislative committees and the session calendar.
- Send a message to a legislator or committee: you can send a message to a single legislator or committee at any time using this web form.
- Sign up to testify virtually: You can sign up to testify virtually at a committee meeting. You must sign up by noon the day before the hearing in order to testify. Make sure to select yes at the bottom of the form in order to receive the zoom link.
- Send in written testimony: This a great option if you get stage fright! Make sure to submit your written testimony by noon the day before the hearing. Your testimony must be in PDF File format if you are submitting it electronically.
Keep up with Early Childhood Issues
Expand your public policy knowledge and build your advocacy skills with the resources below!
Legislative Session 101
- Montana’s Citizen Legislature Demystified! – check out this speech about Montana’s legislature, how policies are made in our State, and how you can participate
- 2023 Legislative Session Information– Look up bill and hearing information, important dates, committee information, and how to get involved.
- Civics 101 Review- learn how a bill becomes law with the classic throwback from Schoolhouse Rock!
Other ways you can Advocate
- Write a letter to the editor- writing an opinion piece is an effective way to share your knowledge with policymakers and your community. Use this advocacy tool from Zero to Three to help write your letter to the editor.
- Learn more about early childhood in your community with Kids Count Montana
- Share your story! Tell your friends, employers, co-workers, and family members what makes you passionate about improving the quality, accessibility, and affordability of child care.
Stay up to date
2023 Legislative Session
The legislative session offers great opportunity to make meaningful changes for Montana families, business owners, and our economy. The 2023 session will bring many bills focused on early childhood and the well-being of children and families. With that said, keeping up can be overwhelming! Luckily, Zero to Five Montana has created an Early Childhood Bill Tracker for us!
Helpful Early Childhood Resources
Understanding the Cost of Quality Child Care
Helpful Resources for Workforce Development
Child Care Connections
Our Donors
Every donation to Child Care Connections is an investment in the future of our communities. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Child Care Connections counts on our donors to support our work. Learn more about our current donors and how to join in their support today!
