Caitlin Jensen is the founding executive director of Zero to Five Montana, a statewide organization focused on improving early childhood systems through policy, advocacy, and programs. With 20 years of experience in early childhood policy and systems building, Caitlin began her career working in a Head Start classroom as well as a college campus child care center. Her work with children and families, both locally and internationally, led her to earn a master’s in social work with an emphasis on policy and advocacy from the University of Washington. She also completed the Maternal and Child Health Leadership Fellowship through the UW School of Medicine/Seattle Children’s Hospital in 2010, and holds certificates in Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Social Sector from Babson College and Preschool-3rd grade Leadership from the University of Colorado Denver.
Caitlin has a strong background in policy and governmental relations in Montana and Washington State, leading early childhood system initiatives across Early Head Start/Head Start, child care, home visiting, higher education, and across local, state, Tribal and federal government partnerships. She played a key role in passing HB352, a significant early learning bill, and serves as co-facilitator on the Board of Public Education’s Early Literacy Advisory Council. Caitlin is dedicated to working with community leaders and policymakers to address systemic challenges in early childhood.
Born in eastern Montana (Wolf Point), Caitlin is grateful to raise her two young sons, ages 1 and 4, in a state she loves. They inspire her daily to ensure all Montana children have access to quality early care and education.
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