The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced the inaugural meeting of the Montana Early Childhood Account (MECA) Board. This newly established board was created by the 2025 Legislature through House Bill 924, with the goal of improving early care and education systems throughout Montana.
The first MECA Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and will be accessible remotely via Zoom.
According to DPHHS, MECA is intended to provide necessary funding to enhance child care quality, access, affordability, and workforce capacity across the state. The initiative demonstrates Montana’s commitment to supporting children so they can reach their full potential.
The Governor has appointed ten members to the MECA Board. The group includes representatives from four state agencies, two early childhood organizations, two child care providers from Montana, and one parent whose child receives care.
The responsibilities of the board include setting funding priorities in line with the DPHHS Strategic Plan, approving and overseeing all expenditures, and assessing how effective funded programs are.
Funding approved by MECA will focus on five primary areas. The board will submit annual reports about program outcomes to both the Education Committee and the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committees.
Further information about MECA and its activities can be found on the official MECA website.
