**ECP Credit Available**
https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525338The Montana Early Learning Standards (MELS) provide a foundational framework for supporting high-quality early learning experiences for young children across the state. The current revision and expansion process seeks to update the existing document to include kindergarten through third grade, broadening its reach to a broader audience, including those working with young children in collaborative community initiatives and after-school programs.
In this interactive session, participants will engage with the ongoing efforts to refine and enhance the standards, ensuring they remain developmentally appropriate, aligned with national benchmarks, and supported by practical resources and professional learning opportunities. Presenters will offer insights into the collaborative partnerships guiding this work, including contributions from state agencies, early childhood professionals, and national experts.
Participants will be able to engage meaningfully—providing feedback on the MELS’ usability, sharing experiences with their implementation, and contributing ideas on how to make the standards more practical and effective in daily practice. Whether you are an educator, administrator, or policymaker, your voice is essential in shaping a tool that empowers early childhood professionals and strengthens learning opportunities for all children in Montana.
Session Objectives:- Refine and Expand: Support the revision of Montana’s Early Learning Standards (MELS) to ensure they are developmentally appropriate, aligned with national standards, and inclusive of kindergarten through third grade.
- Enhance Practical Application: Gather participant feedback on the usability of the standards and explore ways to make them more accessible and applicable across diverse early learning settings, including schools, community programs, and after-school initiatives.
- Strengthen Collaboration: Highlight the partnerships driving this work and engage participants in meaningful discussions to ensure the revised standards effectively support educators, administrators, and policymakers in providing high-quality early learning experiences for all children in Montana.
