Montana Child Care Providers Are Getting Much-Needed Support

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 21, 2024, Governor Greg Gianforte and Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Charlie Brereton announced increased support for families’ child care costs through the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program (BBCCS). 

According to Gianforte, the DPHHS Early Childhood and Family Support Division offers the BBCCS to qualified low-income families whose child receives care from a licensed or registered center, group or family child care home, or Family, Friend, and Neighbor provider. 

“Montana’s early childhood providers support hardworking families, strengthen our economy, and build a brighter future for our state,” said Gianforte. “This is a crucial investment in our child care system to ensure providers and families have the support they need to get the services they require.” 

Starting March 1, the increased subsidy rate allows all licensed and registered child care providers who accept BBCCS to receive the rate increase for eligible clients the program serves. The new child care rates can be viewed here. 

With the increased rate, an additional 15 percent premium will be added for providers operating in areas identified as high-growth counties, which include Flathead, Gallatin, Missoula, Ravalli, Yellowstone, and Lewis and Clark counties.  

“Ensuring Montana families have access to high-quality child care is a major component to their overall prosperity,” said Brereton. “While all participating child care providers and families across Montana will benefit from our rate increases, those living in high growth areas will receive an additional boost to ensure that child care provider doors stay open and access to services increases. We’re looking forward to monitoring and measuring the impact of these rate increases over time.” 

Brereton said the increased rates will help child care providers better cover costs associated with the care they provide, while also stabilizing the child care workforce and providing families with improved access to child care.