Calendario de clases
In 2009, Child Care Resources created ChildCareTraining.org (CCT), Montana’s central hub for early childhood education and professional development. Today, CCT offers more than 125 online courses, including free licensing orientation training available 24/7, and provides statewide resources like a training calendar, CPR/First Aid options, and sponsorship of the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Meet Chang Yang, the digital wizard behind the curtain at Child Care Resources! As our Online Training and Technology Specialist, Chang keeps our staff connected and our websites (ChildCareTraining and CCR) running smoother than a freshly coded script. With a BS in Business Administration Information Systems from the University of Montana and a passion for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, he’s basically fluent in computer language. When he’s not debugging the digital world, he’s conquering the real one—spending time with his wife and their six boys (yes, six!). A true lover of the outdoors, Chang is on a mission to master the art of fly fishing.
With almost 40 years of experience, Karen has worn nearly every hat in early childhood education—from teaching third grade and owning her own large early childhood programs to directing the University of Montana’s LAB Preschool for nine years. She’s a master of making learning inclusive, having co-authored two state-adopted training curriculums. Now, as the Montana Training Specialist for Child Care Training, she brings her experience to educators statewide. Karen is a passionate community volunteer, year-round hiker with her dogs, and a devoted mom to her daughter Alyssa, who inspires her advocacy for people with Down syndrome. Her two other adult children and granddaughter also live in Missoula so Karen enjoys family time!
Lauralea Sanks is a Montana native through and through, navigating rural backroads and devouring 100+ books a year. With over 30 years in Early Childhood Education—including a master’s in inclusion—she is a true "education tapestry" expert. Since 2016, Lauralea has been the ultimate champion for the Child Care Resources team, mentoring educators and facilitating courses that make learning magic, both online and in person.
Lucy J. Marose believes early childhood is where the magic happens—and she’s spent decades making that magic happen! As a Professional Development Specialist and Editor for Childcaretraining.org, she wears many hats to strengthen early education, backed by a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and Curriculum.
From Montana Head Start to in-home child care and instructing at UM Western, this "kid" enthusiast (still waiting on those grandkids!) has done it all: Infant/Toddler Coordinator, Inclusion Specialist, and assessor. Lucy brings global perspectives to her work, having studied programs in Germany, Budapest, and Reggio Emilia. When she’s not empowering child care providers, she’s quilting, crafting, or buried in a good book.
Lucy J. Marose
Distance Learning Editor & Content Specialist
As the Provider Services Coordinator, Jennifer Williamson wears many hats, from managing Child Care Training and the CACFP to designing training and supervision. With a U of M degree (received in a different century) and extensive experience in early childhood education, running a family child care, quality consulting, and supporting young children with learning differences, she’s truly done it all. A Montana momma and published author, she brings serious passion, humor, and heart to everything she does.
Meet Kimberly Minckler, the spark making online learning feel less like a "PowerPoint marathon" and more like a personal coaching session.
As the Online Training Specialist at Child Care Training, Kimberly blends 20+ years of experience with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction to turn complex ideas into "aha!" moments. From leading PreK classrooms to running her own Star 5-rated center, she’s earned more certifications than a fridge has magnets.
When she isn't raising the bar for Montana’s educators, she’s camping with her Scout troop or managing her own "wildlife" (three sons, three cats, and a bunny).
Born and raised under the “Big Sky,” Lindsay’s heart has always belonged to Montana – even if she did take a brief detour to live in a few different states on the west. After graduating with honors from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition and dietetics, she high-tailed it back home to put her expertise at work. As our CACP specialist, she’s on a mission to make child care nutrition delicious through fun courses and hands-on cooking classes. Her favorite role? Playing “assistant chef” to her own two children. Watching them navigate the kitchen, master new skills, and grow their confidence makes her heart happy.
Meet Michelle Burton—our Distance Learning Editor and Content Specialist, armed with a sharp eye for detail and a big heart for early childhood education. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Montana and a B.S. in Biology from Montana State University, with additional coursework in Early Childhood Education (because why stop at just two fields?). Oh, and she’s a PDS III too!
Michelle’s career path? Let’s just say it’s anything but boring. She’s tackled everything from criminal prosecution to Montessori classrooms and even ran her own infant program. Now, she’s the mastermind behind making our courses clear, engaging, and actually fun to read.
When she’s not deep in course edits, you’ll find her happily lost in a book, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or stitching her way through some needlework magic.
Michelle Burton
Distance Learning Editor & Content Specialist
Tommy Driscoll was born and raised in Helena and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts from the University of Montana. With expertise in marketing, video and audio production, and social media, he has developed a versatile skill set that allows for the creation of engaging content and effective campaigns. Although Tommy didn’t initially have a background in educational technology or child care, he has embraced both fields in his current role, learning on the fly and enjoying the growth process. Known for being adaptable and resourceful, Tommy thrives in dynamic environments and is always eager to take on new challenges. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the outdoors and spending time with his dog Rocky.
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