Parents, children, and Montana’s economy rely heavily on quality child care, which both protects children and promotes healthy development.  A highly-qualified early childhood educator–one who knows how to create a dynamic, accountable learning environment– is at the center of a high-quality early learning experience. Research has shown that children who attend high-quality preschool are better prepared to be successful in school and in their future careers. The economic and community benefits of high-quality early learning and development experiences for all young children cannot be understated and include, increased graduation rates, increased economic wellbeing for all communities, and the long-term development of a high-quality professional workforce. (Source: naeyc.org)

Individuals providing child care in the State of Montana must be registered or licensed if they are caring for more than two children. There are four different registrations/ licenses for child care facilities:

• Registered Family Child Care Homes – one child care provider may care for up to six children

• Registered Group Child Care Homes – two child care providers may care for up to twelve children

• Licensed Centers – provides child care to over 13 children meeting the established ratio of providers to children

• Family Friend and Neighbor Care – may care for two children from separate families OR all of the children from one family