Research
At the heart of the Institute’s mission is a dedication to fostering connections and collaboration among early childhood professionals. To achieve this, the Institute engages in shared grant writing, bringing together experts from diverse fields to collaborate on innovative projects. These efforts cultivate a dynamic research community that leverages collective expertise to address complex challenges in early childhood education.
The Institute also strongly emphasizes nurturing the next generation of researchers. By providing both physical and intellectual space for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research focused on early childhood populations, the Institute creates an environment where emerging scholars can develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the field. This commitment to student engagement enhances the Institute’s research capacity and prepares students to become leaders in early childhood education research.
Demonstration
Another cornerstone of the Institute for Early Childhood Education's mission is advancing model demonstration. Central to this effort is the Learning and Belonging (LAB) School. In the LAB School, pre-service teachers have a supervised and coached environment to observe and implement high-quality classroom practices. This hands-on experience prepares future educators to teach young children effectively.
The Institute and LAB School also serve as models in program organization and teaching methods, offering a valuable resource for visiting scholars, community members, and regional stakeholders. By demonstrating best practices in early childhood education, the Institute aims to influence the broader educational landscape, ensuring that all children have access to the highest-quality learning experiences.
The goal of our Networked Improvement Communities (NICs) is rooted in the understanding that achieving meaningful child outcomes requires a deliberate focus on enhancing the capabilities of adults and improving the organizations and programs that support them (Halle, Metz, & Martinez‐Beck, 2013; Kauerz, 2019; Metz, Halle, Bartley, & Blasberg, 2013). To address this, our NICs aim to develop a new P-3 system in Missoula that can be demonstrated, replicated, and scaled to other communities across Montana. The Institute for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and the LAB School collaborate intentionally with Missoula County Public Schools to establish community demonstration sites, and we welcome engagement from other school districts. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation generously funds our work through the 21C 360˚ Grant. Click here to view a visual framework of our work.
The Learning and Belonging (LAB) School consults with Early Childhood Project Based Learning (ECPBL) to uplift and model Project Based Learning (PBL) practices. PBL is a dynamic and effective instructional approach that empowers young children to actively engage in learning, fostering independence, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of their world. At the LAB School, early childhood clinical specialists implement high-quality PBL and engage in continuous reflective learning to design engaging, relevant units of study tied to student interests and authentic experiences.
Current Initiatives
Outreach
The Institute for Early Childhood Education is dedicated to community outreach as a key objective of its mission. To achieve this, the Institute disseminates research and models high-quality practice through local, state, and national presentations and workshops, ensuring that educators and community members can access the latest research-based strategies. Furthermore, the Institute hosts local, state, and regional convenings, creating platforms for collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders in early childhood education. To further support the community, the Institute curates a pool of faculty experts who offer training and consultation to local, state, and regional entities on current research themes, helping translate knowledge into effective practice and policy. Through these initiatives, the Institute strengthens its connections with the community and enhances the impact of its work on early childhood education.
Ongoing Initiatives
ELLO (Everday Language and Learning Opportunities) aims to increase the number of quality, language-rich interactions between caregivers and young children. ELLO connects with home routines and community spaces routinely accessed by families, such as the grocery store, laundry mats, public transit, libraries, and outdoor spaces. Resources encourage caregivers to talk with their children and are thematically tailored to familiar routines and community settings. Intentionally embedding opportunities for conversations throughout everyday routines can empower all caregivers to realize how much they have the ability to benefit their child’s life through something completely free, talking! Visit us at www.helloello.org!
Current Initiatives
The Missoula Early Learning Fellows (ELF) are a growing network of Missoula County early learning leaders working with and on behalf of families and their young children birth - age eight. Fellows work is intentionally focused on ensuring all children arrive at kindergarten with equal opportunities to learn and thrive with sustained opportunities throughout early school years. Our aim is collective action among Fellows to promote opportunities for young children to learn and thrive. We are currently launching year four of Missoula ELF. Click here to read an outcome report from our innaugural year. A dedicated page for ELF on our site is coming soon!
Past Projects
In January of 2023, Montana Milestones Part C Early Intervention Program contracted with the University of Montana Institute for Early Childhood Education (UM-IECE) to conduct a statewide needs assessment of Montana’s Part C Early Intervention program. The UM-IECE team worked with Montana Milestones throughout the process to determine data sources, clarify information, and learn more about current initiatives, strategies, and priorities relevant to early intervention services in Montana. Read the final report here.
Current Projects
more info coming soon!
more info coming soon!
more info coming soon!
