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Early Childhood Development Archives - Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies: the Montana Coalition

Supporting Montana’s Youngest Through Early Intervention: Updates from Montana Milestones/Part C

By advocacy, Early Childhood

Montana Milestones/Part C is Montana’s early intervention program, and Sandy Cade, the Part C Coordinator, has provided some essential updates on changes to Early Intervention providers, along with helpful resources and contacts. Montana Milestones/Part C partners an early intervention specialist with a family to support caregivers in learning strategies to encourage the growth and development of children with developmental delays or disabilities. Early intervention is a program provided FREE to all eligible children and families. Read on to learn more about the updates and resources available to families and partners who work closely with children in need of early intervention support.


Message from Sandy Cade, Part C Coordinator

My name is Sandy Cade, and I serve as the Part C Coordinator for Montana. On behalf of Part C, I’m reaching out to you as valued partners who work with families of infants or toddlers that may be eligible for Early Intervention Part C services.

Research shows that early intervention can help children develop the skills they need to be successful, and it can also improve family relationships and mental health.

Montana Milestones/Part C of the IDEA Early Intervention Program is Montana’s comprehensive system of early intervention services and supports for families who have infants or toddlers, from birth through three, who have significant developmental delays or have been diagnosed with a condition associated with significant delays in development. Montana Milestones is funded through an annual federal grant under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and legislatively appropriated State General Fund dollars.

Infants and toddlers come into Early Intervention through multiple doors, and because of your work, it’s important to make available current contact information to submit a referral and connect families or professionals to EI.

Please find note the following documents:

  • A statewide map of Part C Early Intervention providers with associated county
  • A list of those providers with contact information

Additional information including making a referral can be located at Montana Milestones (mt.gov). Please share this information broadly with local partners and staff.

part c regional map

Part C Early Intervention Provider

Contact Information

Developmental Educational Assistance Program
DEAP

2200 Box Elder St, Miles City, MT 59301

(406) 234-6034

Benchmark Human Services
Benchmark Human Services

1601 2nd Ave N, Great Falls, MT 59401

(406) 403-0087

Early Childhood Intervention
Early Childhood Intervention

2016 Grand Ave, Billings, MT 59102

(406) 281-5885

Family Outreach
Family Outreach, Inc., Children’s Services

1212 Helena Ave, Helena, MT 59601

(406) 442-1571


Thank you to Sandy Cade for providing these updates. We hope you’ll use these resources to support families and children throughout Montana. Act early-if concerned about a child meeting his/her developmental milestones, talk to the parents/caregivers and make a referral! Early intervention can make a lasting difference, and by working together, we can help children reach their full potential.

A Week of Connection and Learning in the HMHB World!

By advocacy, Community, Community Support, Early Childhood, Montana Early Childhood Coalition, Positive Childhood Experiences

It has been an exciting week at Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB), filled with opportunities for connection and collaboration. We were thrilled to participate in two meaningful events.

Montana Early Childhood Coalition Meeting

On Monday, with our partners from the Center for Children, Families & Workforce Development and Zero to Five, we helped convene the first in-person meeting of the Montana Early Childhood Coalition (MTECC) in several years. The MTECC consists of dedicated individuals who work at the community level through their local early childhood coalitions and other service providing organizations. The in-person meeting provided an excellent platform for participants to share ideas and discuss what’s working locally. Attendees exchanged insights, built connections, and shared innovative ideas with stakeholders from across the state. The meeting also included dialogues with representatives from statewide organizations and discussions on recent studies and needs assessments.

For more information about the Montana Early Childhood Coalition or to see if you or your organization might be eligible to participate, visit the MTECC website or please contact:

Resilience Rising: Positive Childhood Experiences Summit

On Tuesday, HMHB helped host the Resilience Rising: Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE) Summit. Members of the MTECC joined various stakeholders and professionals from across the state to explore the importance of positive childhood experiences.

The summit featured expert speakers, including:

  • Christina D. Bethell, PhD – Director, Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Donald Warne, MD, MPH – Co-Director, Center for Indigenous Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • Stacy Dreessan & Teresa Nygaard – Child Abuse Prevention Centers of Montana
  • Faith Price, PhD – Research Associate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
  • James Caringi, PhD – Professor, University of Montana School of Public & Community Health Sciences, College of Health
  • Becky Franks – Special Projects Director, The Montana Institute

The event also highlighted community-based successes spearheaded by these dedicated professionals in Lincoln and Park Counties:

The summit included discussions on the science and significance of PCEs, including in Indigenous populations, and insights from direct service providers on fostering PCE-informed communities. While session recordings aren’t available, you can find more information on the speakers and their work in the links provided above.

Upcoming Events

Carrying forward the energy of this week, we wanted to share reminders about several upcoming events and learning opportunities before the end of the year!

Perinatal Mental Health 101

Mark your calendars for Perinatal Mental Health 101 on September 10 and 17. This FREE virtual training is open to anyone interested in learning the basics of perinatal mental health. Dr. Samantha Greenberg from Greater Valley Health Center in Kalispell, MT, will lead the sessions.  Click here to register for this exciting event!

Perinatal Mental Health Conference

Following Dr. Greenberg’s sessions, we are thrilled to host the 7th Annual Perinatal Mental Health Conference in-person! You can find more information here.  We have some incredible national and local speakers and panelists we will be announcing soon! While we will offer a virtual option for those unable to travel to Helena, we look forward to the in-person connection and networking. Click here to register for this exciting event!

For more training and development opportunities across the state and within the perinatal mental health landscape, please visit our training opportunities page.

We loved seeing so many wonderful faces this week (in person and virtually!) and hope to continue the great connections and conversations throughout the rest of the year and beyond!

Summer Fun Ideas for Caregivers of Young Children in Montana

By Caregiving, Community, Community Support, Parenting

Summertime in Montana can be paradise! It can also be a time when many families experience changes in childcare routines and find themselves scrambling to find balance. Keeping in mind that summer isn’t a break for parents and caregivers of young children, we wanted to share some ideas to make the most of the summer months while ensuring a safe, fun, and engaging experience for your little ones.

Utilize Public Libraries

Public libraries are an excellent resource during the summer. Many libraries in Montana offer free programs specifically designed for babies and toddlers. From story time to music and movement classes, these programs provide a structured, yet fun environment for early childhood development. Check out the LIFTS online resource guide for public libraries to find a library near you and learn about their summer reading programs and other activities.

Explore a New Play Space

There are many parks and play areas across the state that are perfect for young children. Before heading out, check the LIFTS online resource guide for play spaces. Visiting different parks not only keeps the scenery fresh but also helps kiddos develop social skills as they interact with other children.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Summertime can be particularly challenging for families facing food insecurity. It’s important to know that resources are available to help. The LIFTS online resource guide under food and nutrition supports can connect you with local partners and organizations that provide food assistance. Support is available to ensure that no child experiences hunger during the summer.

Organize Rotating Play Dates

Consider organizing a rotating play date schedule with other parents and caregivers. This not only gives children the opportunity to play with friends but also allows you some much-needed time to work, run errands, or simply take a break. Rotating responsibilities among a responsible and supportive group of adults helps create a community where everyone benefits.

Have a Picnic

Take advantage of Montana’s natural beauty by having a family picnic. Whether it’s in your backyard, at a local park, or by a scenic lake, picnics are a delightful way to spend time together. Pack a simple meal, bring a blanket, look at the shapes in the clouds, and enjoy the fresh air while your little one explores the outdoors.

Enjoy Free and Simple Activities

You don’t need expensive toys to keep your child entertained. Some of the best summer activities are free and can be done right at home. A few easy favorites include:

  • Make your own water table. Fill a plastic bowl with safe kitchen utensils for water play – it’s amazing how much fun toddlers can have with a little water and some simple tools.
  • Play “washing up.” Give your child a spray bottle with water and let them “clean” their toys or outdoor furniture. It’s a great way to keep them occupied and cool on a hot day.
  • Make and play with bubbles! If you’re out of store-bought bubbles, an easy recipe you can make at home simply requires you to mix three ingredients: 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 cup hot water, 1 cup room temperature water, and 1/2 cup liquid dish soap.

Visit Montana State Parks

Many Montanans opt to pay the $9 fee when licensing their vehicles, which grants access to all Montana State Parks. There are many parks across the state, offering a range of activities such as hiking, picnicking, and exploring nature trails. The parks are not only beautiful but also provide a rich learning environment for young children.

Additional Tips

  • Dress in Layers: Montanans know that if you don’t like the weather now, wait 15 minutes because it will probably change! Make sure to pack appropriate layers for any outdoor adventures.
  • Be Bear (and all animal!) Aware: We have the good fortune of an abundance of wildlife in Montana – in both urban and wilderness settings. Don’t forget to be “bear aware” and conscientious of all wild animals.
  • Stay Safe: Always apply sunscreen, dress your child in appropriate clothing, and ensure they stay hydrated.
  • Be Prepared: Carry a bag with essentials like snacks, water, diapers, and a change of clothes.
  • Capture Memories: Don’t forget to take pictures and videos to capture these precious moments.
Let us know if you have any easy and engaging ideas to share!