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Best Beginnings Childcare Scholarships The Early Childhood Services Bureau offers “Best Beginnings” child-care scholarships to qualified low-income families whose child attends a licensed child care center, registered group or family child care home, or legally unregistered child care provider. Each family participates in the cost of that care by making a co-payment based on a sliding fee scale.

What:Child Care Resources has had to cancel some CSEFEL classes since they didn't fill with child care providers, so they are opening them up to social service providers and others.  The cost is very reasonable.  The focus will be more on group settings.  Child Care Resources is offering the following courses for Early Childhood educators and child care providers:1. The Pyramid Model (CSEFEL) Preschool Module 1    December 19, 2011    8:30 am - 2:30 pm    Childcare Resources - Missoula    Click here to register/more information!2. The Pyramid Model (CSEFEL) for Preschool Module One     January 23, 2012    8:30 am - 2:30 pm    Childcare Resources - Missoula    Click here to register/more information!3. The Pyramid Model (CSEFEL) for Preschool Module Two    March 5, 2012    8:30 am - 2:30 pm    Childcare Resources - Missoula    Click here to register/more information!Cost is $30 per session.Contact:Lucy Marose lucy@childcareresources.org  or  Jennifer Swartz jennifer@childcareresources.org

Child care providers encounter unique challenges when implementing the ADA at their centers. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center has developed Child Care resources to assist providers with understanding rights and responsibilities under the law, as well as resources for parent’s rights.  Topics include service animals, medication administration, diapering policies, equal employment opportunities, accessibility and much more.  If you are a child care provider, contact the ADA Center at adainfo@adainformation.org or call (800) 949-4232, for a free packet of information, which includes a refrigerator-sized magnetic erase board and pen.  Check out the Child Care and the ADA website !  http://www.adainformation.org/ChildCare.aspx

DESCRIPTION: Including children with autism in community preschools/childcare programs can be challenging due to potential behavioral difficulties, sensory integration difficulties, as well as social, communication and learning differences. This workshop will address the specific challenges of including children with autism in preschool/childcare setting. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of autism and will leave the presentation with tips, strategies, and principles to address inclusion challenges. WHEN AND WHERE: Saturday May 8, 2010 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Lewis and Clark Library 120 S. Last Chance Gulch, Helena

Visit https://sites.google.com/site/westernmontanaautismconference/ for full information on this event When: April 16 -17, 2011 Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Where: Continuing Education Building on the campus of the University of Montana in Missoula, MT  Registration and Check in begins on Saturday at 8:00 am Tickets must be purchased prior to the event Childcare will be available free of charge, however we will require reservations to ensure appropriate amount of staff on hand. To register for childcare contact mtautismcommunity@gmail.com

This paper provides links to online state information provided about these benefit programs. Individuals seeking information about eligibility and benefits in a particular state will find these links a useful place to start.

MONTANA Policy Manuals/Materials Food Stamp http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/fsmanual/index.shtml TANF http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/tanfmanual/index.shtml Medicaid http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/legalresources/administrativerules/title37/chapter82.pdf CHIP http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/legalresources/administrativerules/title37/chapter79.pdf Child Care Assistance http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/ecsbmanual/index.shtml Descriptive Program and Eligibility Information Food Stamp http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/snap/index.shtml TANF http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/tanf/tanfeligibility.shtml Medicaid http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/programsservices/medicaid.shtml CHIP http://chip.mt.gov/index.shtml Child Care Assistance http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/childcare/bestbeginnings/index.shtml Applications for Assistance Food Stamp, TANF and Medicaid http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/programsservices/publicassistanceprograms.shtml (English and Spanish) Food Stamp http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/formsapplications/foodstamp.pdf Medicaid (children) and CHIP http://hmk.mt.gov/documents/hmkapplication.pdf Online Application Medicaid (children) and CHIP https://mtchip.assistguide.net/ Program Data Food Stamp, TANF, Medicaid and CHIP Monthly Statistical Data (w/county totals) http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/statisticalinformation/tanfstats/tanfstatistics.shtml

Click here to download the flyer (PDF) What: We are a voice for parents. Join us and tell us what you need and how a group can help. When:   Thursday, February 24th   5:30–8:30pm Where: First Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall (new location by Missoula Community School) 201 S 5th Street West Dinner provided | On-site childcare Please let us know by Wednesday, 2/23 if you are coming so we can plan for dinner and childcare. Contact: Mary Hall mary.hall@pluk.org 877-219-9986

The publication, “We Can Do Better,” evaluates state policies on child care and assigns each state a score. This year, no state scored above 87 percent, and the lowest-ranked state, Idaho, rated only 15 percent. Texas was actually ranked in the top 10 states, at 82 percent. But, as Cohn’s story explains, child care centers in Texas are inspected only once a year, and home day care centers only every other year.

Goals: To build local capacity and expand inclusive child care options for families by providing training, resources, and technical assistance directly to Montana's child care resource and referral programs (specifically the Early Childhood Specialists), licensed child care programs, LCPs (legally certified providers), PLUK (Montana parent and training information program), and CFSP (regional child/family service providers/early intervention programs).

Click here to download the full flyer (PDF) What: Join our statewide network of information and resource sharing for families and caregivers of children withemotional or behavior difficulties. Together our voices will be heard by the state agencies and providers of services for our children. Be part of a life-changing movement. Topic: Wraparound Process When: Friday, December 16, 2011 6:00 – 7:30pm Where: Tumbleweed 505 North 24th St Billings, MT To register, contact: Jami Machler jami.machler@pluk.org (406) 850-2938RSVP by December 13, 2011Dinner and Childcare Provided if Pre-Registered

Click here to download the flyer for this event (PDF) Where: Missoula Public Library When: 6:30pm open / 7:00 pm movie What: A Special Presentation on autism services offered by Easer Seals Goodwill at 6:45pm with the Movie “Autistic-Like, Graham’s Story” to start at 7pm. Childcare provided and an animated family friendly movie will be presented for children. For more information please contact Audrey at 406-850-2977 or Belinda at 406-697-5522. For full details please visit Montana Autism Community Support Network on Facebook

These guides make it easier for young children with disabilities to participate in early literacy learning activities. Written for both parents and practitioners, the practice guides describe everyday home, community, and childcare learning opportunities that encourage early literacy learning.

What: Montana Families Speak of Missoula is hosting a meeting for Parents of Children with Emotional or Behavioral Challenges. Please join us in creating a group for families and caregivers to share  information and resources Together our voices will be heard. When: Thursday, October 28 from 6:00–8:00pm Where: Christ the King 1400 Gerald Ave., Missoula (Side entrance on Keith Ave. Lower Level)        Dinner will be provided. On-site childcare provided by University of Montana School Psychology graduate students. If you have questions, please contact Marry Hall at 888-406-1914 or mary.hall@pluk.org

Federal law requires day care centers to provide reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities, but parents and advocates say finding care can be near impossible in some parts of the country.

KidActivities.net is dedicated to school-age care professionals--additionally it is a resource for pre-school thru high school educators, parents, and program directors--in short anyone who loves engaging children.

Parents of a child with special needs must learn to effectively navigate the maze of special education laws and go to bat for their kids. In a nutshell, this means they must learn to be advocates.

The HCCA program is a collaborative effort of health professionals and child care providers working to improve the early education and health and safety of children in out-of-home child care. This includes increasing access to preventive health services, safe physical environments, and a medical home for all children. The program also strives to increase pediatrician participation and effectiveness in providing high-quality care and promoting early education and children's health and well-being.

Let’s get reconnected and renew our support for each other and other area families. What better time than Autism Awareness month to come and say hello and check out the YMCA facilities where we will be having our monthly meeting. You’ll also get to see the preschool room where we will be providing childcare (This won’t exclude older children. We will have activities for them as well!). Plus, we can talk about our plans for summer activities as well as get ideas from you for additional activities.

Click here to download the full flyer (PDF) Join our statewide network of information and resource sharing for families and caregivers of children with emotional or behavior difficulties. Together our voices will be heard by the state agencies and providers of services for our children. Be part of a life-changing movement. Topic: Technology and Communication When: Friday, February 18, 2011 6:00 – 7:30pm Where: American Lutheran Church 5 Lewis Ave. Billings, MT To register, contact: Jami Machler jami.machler@pluk.org (406) 850-2564 Dinner and Childcare Provided if Pre-Registered