Contact Us
Department of Public Health and Human Services
Early Childhood and Family Support Division
Early Childhood Services Bureau
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59601
Early Childhood Services Bureau:
Child Care Unit: (866) 239-0458
CACFP: (888) 307-9333
Main line: 444-1958
The Mission of the Early Childhood Services Bureau is to improve the quality, affordability and accessibility of early care and education in Montana, with focused efforts on coordinated systems to best meet the needs of young children, their families, and the professionals who work on behalf of young children and families.
Staff Contact Information
Patty Butler, ECSB Bureau Chief
Brooke Pickett, CACFP Program Manager
Jody Lehman, CCDF Program Manager
Sally Tilleman, Early Learning and School Readiness Manager
STARS to Quality
The STARS to Quality Program is a voluntary quality rating improvement system that aligns quality indicators with support and incentives for early childhood programs and early childhood professionals.
STARS to Quality Staff
Shandi Hayes, Specialist
Vacant, Specialist
Jill Christensen, Early Education and Coaching Specialist
Child and Adult Care Food Program
The CACFP supports child care businesses by providing assistance with child nutrition, food service management, and reimbursement for meals served.
Child and Adult Care Food Program Staff
Janene Shepherd, Program Specialist
Kelly Little, Program Specialist
Pam Barragato, Program Specialist
Child Care Licensing
The role of the Child Care Licensing Program is to regulate and monitor child care facilities. Additionally, the Program establishes guidelines for the health, safety and well-being of the children in these facilities. Surveys are conducted annually and all complaints are investigated.
Child Care Licensing Staff
List of Child Care Licensing Staff
Child Care Policy Unit - Best Beginnings
Child Care Policy Unit Staff
Sarah Adams, CCDF Project Specialist
Allison Drake, Compliance Reviewer
Chauntel Lucier, Child Care Resource & Referral Program Specialist
Melody Olson, Management Analyst
Darla Dexter, Best Beginnings Specialist
Montana Head Start Collaboration Office
The Head Start Collaboration Office facilitates collaboration among Head Start agencies (including Early Head Start agencies) and entities that carry out activities designed to benefit low income children from birth to school entry, and their families.
Montana Head Start Collaboration Office Staff
Kathy Rich, Montana Head Start Collaboration Director
Montana Milestones Part C
Montana Milestones/Part C of the IDEA Early Intervention Program is Montana’s comprehensive system of early intervention services and supports for families who have infants or toddlers, from birth through three who have significant developmental delays or disabilities or have been diagnosed with an established condition associated with significant delays in development.
Montana Milestones Part C Staff
Wendy Studt, Part C
Sandy Cade, Early Intervention Program Specialist