SPARK Montana

Looking for Montana-specific resources without digging through a dozen tabs?

Start with the SPARK Knowledge Center.

The Knowledge Center is a repository of curated resources for child care professionals — designed to help you find helpful information in one place.

Whether you’re looking for guidance, tools, training information, or resources to support your program, it’s a great place to begin.

Because when you’re already juggling a full day, finding the right resource shouldn’t feel like one more complicated task.

Explore the SPARK Knowledge Center here: https://sparkmontana.my.site.com/s/?_gl=1*15th4uq*_ga*Mjg3MTY4NDAuMTc3ODE4MzY1NQ..*_ga_JJYHXL3FJJ*czE3ODA2MDQ0NzYkbzEzJGcxJHQxNzgwNjA1NDg5JGo2MCRsMCRoOTY5NTM1NTgx

💛 The work behind the work

Child care providers do so much more than what people see at drop-off and pick-up.

You’re remembering sunscreen and water bottles.
You’re managing paperwork and schedules.
You’re helping with big feelings and little transitions.
You’re cleaning up snacks, tying shoes, answering questions, and communicating with families.
You’re noticing who needs extra comfort, who is ready for a challenge, and who just needs a minute.

So much of this work is quiet. Repetitive. Constant. And incredibly important.

To every early childhood provider doing the work behind the work: we see you, we appreciate you, and we’re grateful for the care you pour into Montana’s children every day.

Family and group providers: this one is for you. 💛

Balancing daily routines, busy days, and challenging behaviors can feel like a lot — but you do not have to figure it all out on your own.

This summer, SPARK Montana is launching a Virtual Group Coaching Pilot designed specifically for family and group providers across Montana. This pilot begins July 9 and will continue through the summer and into the fall.

Together, providers will explore:

✨ Proven techniques to reduce challenging behaviors
✨ Quick ways to enhance your environment
✨ Strategies to help daily routines flow more smoothly
✨ Connection with peers who understand the rewards and challenges of this work

Want to learn more? Join one of the quick info sessions:

📅 Option 1: Evening Session
Monday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85379353042?pwd=oDSSU1AVVcvfYjV6fyXulaIEH6YFl9.1

📅 Option 2: Naptime Session
Thursday, June 18 at 1:00 p.m.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83334424491?pwd=B7DH6iMyxDkp9k0YhLhXL9vD5w2tZW.1

Can’t make either session? Reach out to Anna Elam at [email protected] or Larisa Moe at [email protected] with questions.

You do important work every day. SPARK is here to support you with tools, connection, and encouragement along the way.

Not sure where to start? That’s okay.

Sometimes the hardest part is just figuring out who to ask — and that’s exactly why the SPARK Montana Help Desk is here.

Whether you have questions about licensing, MAQCS, training, professional development, or who to contact for a specific need, Laci is a great place to start. She’s kind, knowledgeable, and ready to help point you in the right direction.

You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out. Just bring your question, and we’ll help from there. 💛

📩 Contact the SPARK Montana Help Desk: https://sparkmontana.com/spark-montana-help-desk/

☀️ Tip Tuesday: Active Supervision in Summer

Summer days can mean more movement, more transitions, and more outdoor time — which can make active supervision feel like a moving target.

One simple idea: name your zones before heading outside.

Before outdoor play begins, take a quick moment to identify areas like:

🌳 Shade
💧 Water play
🛝 Climbing equipment
🧘 Quiet play
🚪 Entry/exit points

This helps every adult know where their eyes are needed most and supports smoother, safer outdoor time for everyone.

Small routines like this can make a big difference — especially during busy summer days. 💛

Summer days can bring a different kind of energy to early learning settings--new schedules, outdoor time, vacations, and sometimes a little extra chaos.

We want to hear from you:
What is one routine that helps your summer days go smoother?

Maybe it's a morning check-in, a visual schedule, a water bottle station: whatever works for your program, drop it in the comments!

Your idea might be exactly what another provider needs this week.

You don't need a perfect outdoor classroom to make nature part of the day. Sometimes, the simplest moments create the biggest opportunities for curiosity, conversation, and hands-on learning.
Try adding nature to your day with simple activities like:
🌱 Taking a short nature walk
🍂 Sorting leaves, rocks, or sticks
☁️ Watching clouds and talking about shapes
🪵 Creating texture bins with natural materials
🐞 Looking for bugs, birds, or signs of the season

Nature-based learning doesn’t have to be complicated. A few minutes outside, a handful of leaves, or a conversation about the sky can help children slow down, notice details, and connect with the world around them.

This World Environment Day, we’re celebrating the little ways early childhood educators help children explore, wonder, and care for the world around them. 🌎💚

Summer should be full of play, learning, and adventure--not worries about where the next meal will come from.

Montana's 2026 Summer Food Service Program is now underway, helping kids and teens 18 and under access free, nutritious meals while school is out.

Healthy meals help children stay fueled, connected, and ready to enjoy all summer has to offer.

Find a summer meal site near you: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder

Read the full press release from the Montana Office of Public Instruction: https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/MTOPI-4190cbb?wgt_ref=MTOPI_WIDGET_55

Together, we can help make sure Montana kids have the support they need all summer long.

Join us for the Montana Child Care Connect Summit 2026 on July 28 & 29 at Fairmont Hot Springs!
This two-day event will bring together child care professionals, partners, and leaders from across Montana for connection, learning, and inspiration.
Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/26CONNECT