The Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce’s child care initiative aims to address a growing workforce challenge - the need for the workforce to have access to quality, affordable child care in the Missoula area.
Our research found that a lack of child care in Missoula is severely impacting the workforce, with many parents scaling back or leaving their careers entirely due to child care issues. Employers face challenges in retaining employees and attracting new ones. Parents who wish to return or remain in the workforce need a place for their children to learn and grow. Encouraging growth in this vital industry has become a key initiative for the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce.
To date, the work of the Chamber in the realm of child care has led to recognition on the local, state and national level – including an invitation to the White House to discuss the role Chambers can play in helping address this important workforce need. We have completed two surveys, created seven community models, and made the connections that led to the first for-profit business in a vacant county school building.
Check out the resources below to find helpful local information about family friendly employment practices, childcare, and early childhood development.
Missoula Are Chamber of Commerce Featured Child Care Providers
Since 1967, the Missoula YMCA has supported families and provided child care. Offering programs for before and after school and 30+ summer programs, the YMCA is dedicated to supporting Missoula families. Financial assistance is available for all programs.
CEO Named Chair of Early Childhood Advisory Council
Kim Latrielle, CEO/President of Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce completed her term appointment to the Montana Early Childhood Advisory Council in November of 2022.
Kim Latrielle, CEO/President of the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, Appointed as Chairperson of the Montana Early Childhood Advisory Council (MECAC)
Missoula, Montana, June 17, 2021 – The Department of Public Health and Human Services, Early Childhood and Family Support Division has announced the appointment of Kim Latrielle as the new Chairperson on the Montana Early Childhood Advisory Council.
The Montana Early Childhood Advisory Council, appointed by DPHHS, represents interested constituency groups, governmental agencies, the public at large, child care providers, state and local representatives, and Tribes. The Council provides advice concerning state early care and education and the professionals that support families and young children. The Council’s purpose is not only to improve collaboration and coordination across the spectrum of governmental and non-profit organizations providing early childhood services, but to serve as a connector cross sector, bridging community and state needs for early childhood issues.
“It is truly an honor to be appointed to this position. I look forward to strengthening childcare for our workforce in Montana.”
Kim Latrielle, President/CEO of the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, has been working side by side with business in Missoula for over 40 years. She has a passionate understanding of the business workforce structure and an understanding of the critical need for the child care industry to thrive and support working parents. Kim has led a collaboration with area child care providers and advocates to address the continued need for additional childcare, including school age care. In 2020 Kim led the Missoula Chamber in a survey that identified childcare as a critical workforce issue. In 1999 Kim represented Montana in Washington DC as an advocate and critical thinker on early childhood issues and business models that might support community.
