Policymakers
Why Policy Matters
Early childhood policies play a crucial role in shaping the future of Montana’s children, families, and communities. By investing in early childhood initiatives and programs, Montana can create a strong foundation for its youngest residents, fostering their growth, education, and overall well-being. The impact of these policies extends far beyond individual families and contributes to improved school readiness, enhanced workforce development, economic growth and stronger, more resilient communities.
By prioritizing young children, Montana lawmakers can demonstrate their commitment to nurturing the potential of every child and building a brighter future for all Montanans.
How we support policymakers:
- Provide and interpret early childhood data
- Offer nonpartisan early childhood policy research support
- Draft legislation and amendments
- Conduct constituent surveys
- Provide topic-specific policy briefs and one-pagers
- Facilitate connections to local and national perspectives
- Provide thought-partnership
Montana Early Childhood Policy Resources
Family Economic Security
87% of Montana voters polled in 2026 support a state tax credit to help families offset childcare costs.
- Child Tax Credits (Zero to Five Montana)
Early Learning
80% of Montana voters polled in 2026 support government funding to expand public early learning programs to children as young as 4 years old who are at risk of not reading and performing math at grade level.
- 2026 Early Targeted Interventions Annual Report (Montana Office of Public Instruction)
- Early Numeracy (Zero to Five Montana)
- Early Literacy in Montana (Zero to Five Montana)
- Early Literacy (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Childcare Business Stabilization
75% of Montana voters polled in 2026 support state government providing incentives to open and operate childcare businesses.
- 2026 Liability Insurance Report (Zero to Five Montana)
- Education and Childcare – Montana 406 Jobs Sector Analysis – (Montana Department of Labor & Industry)
- Early Care & Education Trust Fund – (Zero to Five Montana)
State Fact Sheets
- 2026 Child Care & Development Block Grant – First Five Years Fund
- Montana data on public investment in early care and education – Center for Early Learning Funding Equity
- 2025 Child Care & Early Learning in Montana – First Five Years Fund
- An Unsustainable Status Quo – National Association for the Education of Young Children
- Breaking down the finances of family child care in Montana – P5 Fiscal Strategies
- Child Care in State Economies Report Series: Recent Trends in Paid Child Care Usage, Trends in Child Care Industry Revenue and Employment, Child Care and Regional Economic Growth (Committee for Economic Development)
Policy Briefs & One Pagers
See our policy briefs and one pagers to understand various early childhood related topics. Want to learn about something that’s not listed? Just reach out to us!
Our Policy Work
Federal policymakers, state legislators, local government leaders, and other elected officials all play a role in creating a brighter future for the next generation.
To make important policy decisions, our leaders should understand the needs of young children and the challenges that parents face. That’s why Zero to Five Montana travels to communities to hear from families, caregivers, childcare providers, local leaders and others to get local insights to help inform our state policy agenda.
Through our work, we help policymakers, employers, and communities understand the early childhood system in Montana, so together we can build a state where families, businesses, and communities thrive.