Providing Child Care in Montana

Child care licensing exists to improve the quality of child care for Montana families. You've probably heard that becoming a licensed child care provider is a lot of work. It may seem intimidating at first but we are here to make the process as informative and smooth as possible. Here is how to become licensed and some excellent reasons to do so:

• Gain access to scholarship funds for families.
• Diversify your financial portfolio.
• Commit to the health and safety of children in your care.
• Receive staff and business training from state and local specialists.
• Technical support & fingerprinting services

Child Care Licensing

Families often look for licensing credentials when making child care decisions. If you want your child care business to receive remain resilient, consider becoming licensed. 

1. Visit SPARK Learning Lab for help becoming licensed or;
2. Visit Child Care Licensing to learn more or;
3. Complete the Online Provider Application to jump start the licensing process.

Licensed Programs Receive:

• pre-inspection prior to providing care
• ongoing monitoring and support
• annual inspection
• eligibility for subsidy programs

Current licensed providers can be a great resource for providers looking to become licensed. Use this Child Care Provider Search feature to learn about licensed providers in your area and reach out!

State subsidy programs help eligible families access child care and other resources at a reduced cost. As a licensed provider you can take part in these programs voluntarily. Subsidies can provide your business with another form of income. Consider getting involved!

Best Beginnings Scholarship Program (BBS)

The BBS Program helps eligible low-income families whose child receives care from a qualified provider pay for care. If you want to learn more or would like to participate click on the program link above. If you are a current provider serving BBS children use the links below to access information and the portal.

• BBS Online Provider Portal
  • BBS Online Portal User Guide
• Best Beginnings Reimbursement Rates

Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

CACFP provides nutritional meals and snacks to children and adults in eligible child care programs. The program reimburses the providers for the cost of each meal. Visit the CACFP homepage to learn more.

Steps and requirements to consider before applying:

• 25% of your enrolled or licensed capacity is at the free or reduced reimbursement rate.
  • Verify enrolled families' status using income eligibility forms. 
• Contact a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Sponsor to help you prepare.

In Montana we know its critical to support providers in delivering the best care possible to children. The State child care office offers many professional development and training opportunities to accelerate your child care career or train up staff in your business.

Staff Training and Development Offerings:

• Child Care Training.org
  • Childcaretraining.org (CCT) is the official online learning platform for licensed child care providers throughout Montana. The site hosts virtual coursework covering critical early childhood issues like child abuse, nutrition, and other fundamentals of your business! Come develop your professional portfolio by signing up for distance learning with CCT today!
• Early Childhood Project
  • Looking for more? Join us on our Professional Development Hub or the ECP website to explore our professional development series and a full list of training resources!

Best Business Practices

Zero to Five Montana's Child Care Business Connect  is a small business support provided by Zero to Five. If you are considering opening a new licensed registered child care business, significantly growing an existing child care operation or if you want to mentor new business owners consider applying today.

There are many resources to help you build a quality child care program. Our quality initiatives facilitate the inclusion of children with special needs and support the health and well-being of children. Initiatives also include a space to train your staff and track their progression. 

Quality Rating System

STARS to Quality is currently in a Redesign phase and is not currently accepting new applications. The rebuilt Quality Recognition System (QRS) has a projected launch date of October 1, 2025. Quality resources can still be accessed through the STARS to Quality website. STARS Trainings continue to be free and accessible.

The previous Quality Rating System (QRS), known as STARS to Quality, was a voluntary program of the Early Childhood Project. QRS aligned quality indicators with support and incentives for early childhood programs and early childhood professionals. A QRS participant enrolled in a continuous improvement system of support. Incentives could be earned for participating and progressing through the program. 

Learn more about the basics of Child Growth and Development

Montana Early Learning Standards

MELS is a resource for early childhood professionals to help them support the growth and development of young children.

Knowledge Base

KB is a guide for early care professionals and educators: what you need to know, understand, and be able to implement in practice.

You may be wondering how, as a child care provider, you fit into the bigger picture of child care in Montana. Why does the State care about the success and quality of your business? Below we provide some context to your business relationship with the state and some resources to help you connect with your peers.

Child Care Provider Search

Search child care providers throughout the state or in your local area.

Child Care Development Fund

The CCDF Federal Block Grant is a funding source dedicated to providing low-income families with help paying for child care. It also supports quality initiatives to improve and expand child care programs. If you are a STARS provider, accept BBS kids, or are generally interested, click the CCDF link above.

Child Care Agencies

Child Care Agencies are regional offices devoted to helping families in their locale find the best child care option for them. They also work with providers to offer the following:

• Family referrals to your licensed child care facilities.
• Technical assistance to support your BBS efforts.

If you haven't yet reached information overload, we have a few more resources for you to consider. Whether you've been a provider for over 30 years or are just beginning, we welcome you to explore the additional resources here and to reach out to us at the State child care office to talk about how our programs, initiatives and supports can help you build your child care business.

Montana Head Start Collaboration Office

Recalls and Product Safety Information

Additional Documents, Resources, and Program Information