SPARK Montana Launches to Support Child Care Providers Statewide

New initiative led by local experts aims to strengthen Montana's child care workforce.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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SPARK Learning Lab Montana (SPARK Montana) has launched a new statewide resource to support and strengthen Montana's child care providers. The initiative is led by Shine Early Learning, a national early childhood organization, but SPARK Montana's day-to-day support, coaching, and outreach are provided by Montana-based professionals who live and work in the communities they serve. SPARK Montana offers free technical assistance, one-on-one coaching, peer networking, and curated training resources tailored to licensed child care providers across the state.

Why it matters

Access to quality, affordable child care is a critical issue in Montana, where many rural communities face shortages of licensed providers. SPARK Montana aims to reduce administrative burdens, strengthen program quality, and support the long-term sustainability of child care businesses across the state.

The details

SPARK Montana is a partnership between Shine Early Learning and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). While Shine brings national expertise, SPARK Montana's local team understands Montana's unique geographic, community, and child care challenges. The initiative offers free services designed to be accessible and personal for providers, including technical assistance, one-on-one coaching, peer networking, and customized training resources.

  • SPARK Montana launched in March 2026.

The players

SPARK Learning Lab Montana (SPARK Montana)

A new statewide initiative led by Shine Early Learning to support and strengthen Montana's child care workforce.

Shine Early Learning

A national early childhood organization selected by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to provide technical assistance and support services to child care providers across Montana.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

The state agency that partnered with Shine Early Learning to launch SPARK Montana.

Sandy Cade

The Project Director for SPARK Montana.

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What they’re saying

“SPARK Montana is about showing up for providers in a way that feels accessible, personal, and local. Our team lives here. We work here. We understand Montana's geography, communities, and child care challenges because they're our own. Providers aren't calling a distant office—they're connecting with people who can meet them where they are, often within driving distance.”

— Sandy Cade, Project Director, SPARK Montana (hilinetoday.com)

The takeaway

SPARK Montana's locally-led approach aims to provide much-needed support and resources to child care providers across the state, helping to strengthen the quality and sustainability of Montana's child care system.