Early Childhood Summit 2026

The Early Childhood Summit 2026 is a full-day event bringing together educators, childcare providers, business leaders, and advocates to strengthen early childhood education, workforce development, and community collaboration in Montana. This Summit will explore community supports, resources and advocacy efforts for expanding access to quality childcare, supporting working families, and driving policy change. Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Daly Mansion 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM to connect, learn, and take action for Montana’s youngest learners.

ECP and OPI credits will be available for this event.

In addition, a special "Meet the Author" event will be hosted at Chapter One Books @ 252 W. Main Street in Hamilton Friday, April 10th 5:00-7:00 PM. This will be a free family friendly community event allowing for the opportunity to meet Kristin Van Martyr Souers and other advocacy leaders supporting early learning and trauma informed practices. Appetizers and beverages will be served. You will have the opportunity to RSVP for the Friday event during the registration process.

We are excited to annouce we are offering scholarship opportunities for Early Childhood Care Providers. To apply, please email dakari@beln.org to request the scholarship application. 

Lunch:

Each ticket includes your choice of one of the following lunch options.

• Italian Turkey Croissant Sandwich - Turkey, havarti cheese, onion, lettuce, and an Italian seasoned cream cheese spread.
• Roast Beef & Cheddar Ciabatta Sandwhich - Roast beef, chedder cheese, onion, lettuce and a spicy horseradish-italian seasoned cream cheese spread
• Large Garden Salad - Fresh lettuce greens, carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, grape tomato, broccolli, green onion and the choice of balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing

Each lunch option will include a bag of chips, a cookie and your choice of coffee, hot tea, water or Arnold Palmer. 

Participants are not required to choose from the provided lunch menu and are welcome to bring their own lunch. For questions, please contact Dakari at dakari@beln.org.

Need to book a room? 

City Center Motel is pleased to extend a 15% discount on room rates to those participating in the Early Childhood Summit between the dates of April 10-12, 2026. Reservations can be made online using the instructions below or by calling the hotel at (406) 363-1651. (Please note that a limited number of rooms are available at the discount price, early booking is encouraged.)

1. Visit https://www.citycenterlodgings.com/book-now
2. Select desired dates
3. Click “Have Promo Code?”, enter Learn, click Apply Code
4. Click “Book Now” to complete your reservation details!

Fine Print: Discount cannot be combined with another. You must book directly through the hotel. Standard hotel T&C apply.

Agenda

• 9:15 AM DOORS OPEN
• 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
  • Check-In, Networking, & Expo Tent Exploration
  • Energizing Yoga In the Parlor 9:15 AM - 9:45 AM (Optional)
• 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
  • Welcome & Grounding Activity
• 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
  • Keynote w/ Krisitn Van Martyr Souers
    • "10 Things our Brain Need"
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • 1st Breakout Session:
    • The Brain Architecture Game
    • "The Caring Trap & the Path to Restoration" 
• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Lunch Dates, share a meal & a real conversation with someone new
• 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • 2nd Breakout Session
    • The Brain Architecture Game
    • "Circle of Security - Understanding the Roadmap of Children's Behavior"
• 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Raffle & Recognition
• 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM - Music & The Brain activity
• 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM Advocacy, Reflection & Next Steps
• 4:20 PM Closing
  • 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM (Optional)
    • Movement Activity In the Parlor