The data collected by the Registry helps us understand Montana’s early childhood workforce, inform policy and decision making, and support and recognize professional achievements. Participation on the Registry is required for anyone working in licensed care in Montana, helping to ensure our data are representative.
The Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE) at UC Berkley highlights the importance of early childhood workforce data here:
“Only data can reveal inequities in access to professional development and better working conditions for early educators and inequities in access to highly qualified, well-supported early educators for children. Only data can provide the information needed to advocate for change.”
More information on “The Workforce Data Deficit,” and CSCCE can be found here.
The ECP is dedicated to collecting high quality data on the Montana early childhood workforce. We have undergone the rigorous Partnership Eligibility Review (PER) process in an effort to ensure a commonly defined set of data across the nation, and to contribute to the national data landscape.
The National Workforce Registry Alliance regularly conducts an analysis using data from PER approved state registries. Montana has participated since this project began in 2009. Check out past reports here.
In addition to the data collected through the Registry, the ECP periodically collects workforce data unavailable through the Registry by other methods, like workforce surveys. “Montana’s Early Childhood Educators: Recruitment and Retainment of an Essential Workforce” is one such report from data collected in 2019/2020, the results can be found here.
The Early Childhood Project is more than just the Registry. We operate the Professional Development Approval System for Montana, offer scholarships and incentives, as well as other projects.
ECP Fact Sheets:
Any data released is in aggregate, and is not personally identifying. Our full privacy policy can be found here.
ECP data may be available upon request by completing the data request form available here. Please contact us at ecp@montana.edu with any questions.