FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 05 2026

Contact:
Jon Ebelt, Communications Director,
DPHHS, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757
jebelt@mt.gov

DPHHS Announces Inaugural Meeting of the Montana Early Childhood Account (MECA) Board

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) today announced the first meeting of the newly formed Montana Early Childhood Account (MECA) Board.

Established by the 2025 Legislature through House Bill 924, MECA is a landmark initiative designed to strengthen early care and education systems across the state.

The MECA Board will hold its kickoff meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The meeting is available remotely via Zoom.

MECA provides the essential funding needed to improve child care quality, access, affordability, and workforce capacity. It represents Montana’s commitment to ensuring all children have the support they need to reach their full potential.

Appointed by the Governor, the 10-member MECA Board brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from four state agencies, two early childhood organizations, two Montana child care providers, and one parent with a child in care.

The board is tasked with establishing funding priorities in accordance with the DPHHS Strategic Plan, approving and monitoring all expenditures, and evaluating the effectiveness of funded programs.

Approved funds are dedicated to five key pillars:

  1. Provider Support and Workforce Development: Grants for business expansion, workforce training, recruitment, and retention (e.g., wage supports/stipends).
  2. Quality Improvement Initiatives: Funding for accreditation, curriculum, safety upgrades, and support for infants, toddlers, and children with special needs.
  3. Affordability Initiatives: Expanding before-/after-school care and supporting the state child-care subsidy program and family hardship assistance.
  4. Innovation Initiatives: Community child care expansion and early intervention access programs.
  5. Emergency Assistance and Disaster Relief: Aid for child-care facilities impacted by natural disasters or emergencies.

The MECA Board will report annually on program outcomes to the Education and the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committees.

For more information on MECA and its initiatives, please visit the MECA website.