Governor Gianforte, DPHHS Increase Support for Families’ Child Care Costs

For Immediate Release February 21, 2024

Improve Access to child care across Montana, Governor Gianforte, Press Release


New Sliding Fee Scale

New Sliding Fee Scale for Best Beginnings Effective March 1st, 2024.

CLICK HERE to view.


Recent changes in law regarding child care licensing, effective October 1st, 2023

As a result of legislation passed in 2023, changes in the laws about child care licensing will begin October 1, 2023. These changes are a result of House Bills (HB) 336, 422, 556, and 715, which are now part of Montana Code Annotated (MCA).

Montana Child Care Retention and Recruitment Child Care Assistance for Child Care Workers

A one-time-only child care assistance program is available for eligible child care employees through the Montana Bright Futures Birth to Five Grant.
View the flyer HERE or for more information click here.
Click here to apply!

Provider Financial Assistance Program

The Provider Financial Assistance Program (PFAP) is administered by the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency. PFAP is offered based on available funding.

The Provider Financial Assistance Program funds can be used for the purposes of:

  • Start Up Funds
  • Emergency/Health and Safety Standards

For more information please visit the application, CLICK HERE, if you have questions please call 406-247-4732 or email childcare@hrdc7.org.

Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship

Montana families are paying just over $9,000 a year to have an infant attend a full time care center. For low-income, working single parents this could mean nearly half their income is spent on child care.

I need child care, but can’t afford it. What do I do?

HRDC offers the State of Montana’s Best Beginnings scholarship for Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Fallon, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Powder River, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wheatland, and Yellowstone Counties.  You can fill out the application online here.

You can also download the application or pick it up at the HRDC office in Billings or Hardin, or call either location and request an application be mailed to you.

Who is eligible?

Recipients of the scholarship are working low-income families, working care takers, TANF recipients, disabled parents, foster or guardianship families, and parents in high school, college or pursuing a GED may apply for the Best Beginnings Scholarship. Please click here for more information about eligibility.

How many hours must I work in order to qualify as working low-income?

Parents or guardians must be participating in the following eligible activities:

  • Two parent families must work at least 120 hours per month;
  • Single parent families must work at least 60 hours per month;
  • Single parent families do not have to work while they attend school/training full time;
  • Single parent families who are attending school/training part-time must work 40 hours; or
  • Teen parents must be attending high school or a high school equivalency program.

Does the work requirement pertain to foster or guardianship families?

Yes. We recommend contacting your Child Protection Specialist or your OPA case manager if you are receiving child-only TANF assistance.
For additional information about eligibility, click here..

What portion will I pay?

Families are solely responsible for making co-payments to their child care provider plus any fees or charges that may exceed the district child care provider rates. Click here for the sliding scale and click here for the co-payment calculator.

I need help finding a child care provider. Who can I contact?

HRDC has a free service that helps you find quality child care that best fits your needs.  Click here to go to our Child Care Referral Page.

Are there restrictions on where I take my child for care?

Children on the Best Beginnings Scholarship must attend a licensed child care center, registered group or family child care home, or certified Family/Friend/Neighbor (FFN) formerly known as legally certified child care provider.

I’m not sure if the child care provider I’ve selected qualifies for the program. Who can I ask?

Contact one of our Case Managers or our Child Care Referral Specialist by calling (406) 247-4700.

For more information

Call (406) 247-4700 (Billings) / (406) 665-2523 (Hardin) or Email: childcare@hrdc7.org

I need help finding Child Care.

Our Referral Specialist helps you find quality child care that best fits your needs. Whether your hours of needed care are limited or you are looking for specific environments, we connect families to licensed or registered child care providers to provide a quality experience for everyone.  We provide referrals for families in Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Fallon, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Powder River, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wheatland and Yellowstone counties.

  • Stop by our office or call (406) 247-4700 to get a child care need form.
  • Click here to view DPHHS’s Child Care Provider Dashboard.
  • Click here to complete an online child care need form.
  • Click here to print out a form and return it to us by:
    • Email: childcare@hrdc7.org
    • Fax: (406) 869-2585
    • Mail: PO Box 2016 Billings, MT 59103 – Attention: Child Care Referral Specialist
    • Drop it by our office at 7 N 31st St,  Billings, MT

If you are a provider and need to update your vacancies with our Referral Specialist click here.

Region 1

The Nurturing Center
322 2nd Ave West Suite C – Kalispell MT, 59901  (406) 756-1414, 800-204-0644, Fax: (406) 756-1410
nurturingcenter.org

Region 2

Child Care Resources
2409 Dearborn Ave., Ste L – PO Box 7038  Missoula MT, 59801  (406) 728-6446, 800-728-6446, Fax: (406) 549-1189
childcareresources.org

Region 3

Butte 4 C’s
101 North Main – Butte MT, 59701  (406) 723-4019, 800-794-4061, Fax: (406) 723-6982
butte4-cs.org

Region 4

Child Care Connections

Bozeman Office

2415 West Main STE. 1 – Bozeman MT, 59718

Helena Office

901 North Benton Avenue – Helena, MT 59601

(406) 587-7786, 800-962-0418, Fax: (406) 587-1682
cccmontana.org

Region 5

Family Connections
202 2nd Ave S, Suite 201  Great Falls MT, 59405  (406) 761-6010, 800-696-4503, Fax: (406) 453-8976
FamilyConnectionsMT.org

Region 6

Family Connections
145 4th Ave Suite 3 Havre MT, 59501  (406) 265-6743, 800-640-6743, Fax: (406) 265-1312
FamilyConnectionsMT.org

Region 7

HRDC District 7
7 North 31st Street – PO Box 2016  Billings MT, 59103  (406) 247-4732, 800-443-1411, Fax: (406) 248-2943

Hardin Office

501 North Center Avenue – Hardin, MT 59034   (406) 655-3500, Fax: (406) 655-1395

DEAP Office

2200 Box Elder – Miles City, mT 59301   (406) 235-6034, Fax: (406) 234-7018

hrdc7.org

Provider Financial Assistance Program

The Provider Financial Assistance Program (PFAP) is administered by the Child Care Resource & Referral Agency. PFAP is offered based on available funding.

The Provider Financial Assistance Program funds can be used for the purposes of:

  • Start Up Funds
  • Emergency/Health and Safety Standards

For more information please visit the application, by CLICKING HERE, if you have questions please call 406-247-4732 or email childcare@hrdc7.org.


Link to forms and regulation information:

You will find all the regulations and forms to become a licensed or registered child care provider at the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing website.  Check it out at: https://dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/childcare/childcarelicensing/


Reporting Communicable Diseases:

You can find more information at https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/reporting/index

Link to HRDC’s Resource List for Public Health Departments and Reporting Communicable Diseases, click here.


 

Child Care’s Provider Services Department provides help and support for:

Licensed and new child care centers, family & group homes, and Family/Friend/Neighbors in Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Fallon, Golden Valley, Musselshell, Powder River, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wheatland, and Yellowstone Counties.

What kind of support is available to child care providers?

HRDC provides oversight and resources to ensure providers are given the tools they need to remain compliant with state regulations and deliver a safe, affordable and quality service. In addition to trainings we offer:

  • Tips and resources to improve your program; and recruitment, retention and motivation of staff
  • Ideas for low cost marketing, daily schedules and transitions, and how to operate a safe and healthy program
  • How to implement emergency policies and procedures including medication administration and managing infectious disease
  • Resources to provide developmentally appropriate care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers
  • State and National accreditation, standards, and quality rating and improvement systems
  • Raise MT Home Based Toolkit This is a great for home-based businesses, and useful to those starting up and/or needing support.

What types of services are offered?

  • Maintain licensing requirements
  • Technical assistance
  • Child Care Collaboration
  • Professional Development Training in:
    • Observation, Documentation, & Assessment
    • Program Management
    • Family & Community Partnerships
    • Environmental Design
    • Child Growth & Development
    • Health & Well-Being
    • Professionalism
    • Curriculum
    • Diversity
    • Child Guidance
  • Evidence Based Best Practices
    • For young children with special needs and their parents and providers

What services are available to new providers?

  • Program Management Essentials and Early Childhood Essentials
  • Assistance with selecting classes
  • Technical assistance for policies, procedures, contracts and record maintenance
  • 360 Support
  •  Fingerprinting

 

What does the Child Care Referral Specialist do for Child Care Providers?

  • The Referral Specialist can update provider rates.
  • The Referral Specialist coordinates the Child Care Referral Program.

How do I update my provider rates?

Click to view the current Market Rates.

To change your rates please fill out the 2024 Provider Rate Form and return it to us by:

  • Email:  childcare@hrdc7.org
  • Fax: (406) 869-2585
  • Mail: PO Box 2016 Billings, MT 59103 – Attention: Danielle
  • Drop it by our office at 7 N 31st St,  Billings, MT

What is the Child Care Referral Program?

The Child Care Referral Program is a free advertising tool for your business. The Referral Specialist will work with you and your facility to provide the most up-to-date information to families seeking child care.

  • Wanting to utilize the Referral Program? Click here to fill out the form.
  • To make changes to your vacancies click here.

For more information

Call (406) 247-4700 or Email Child Care Department

 

Best Beginnings Family/Friend/Neighbor (FFN)

What is a Family/Friend/Neighbor (FFN)?

A Family/Friend/Neighbor is a special certification for a friend or family member that cares for up to two children from different families or all the children in one sibling group. The family that is receiving care must be eligible for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship.  Click here for the FFN page on dphhs.mt.gov

How do I apply to become a Family/Friend/Neighbor (FFN)?

Application requirements include:

  • Family Association Form
  • Forms required for all adults living in the household 18 years and older (fees vary)
  • Statement of Health Form
  • State of MT Release of Information
  • FBI Release of Information form for Fingerprint
  • Health and Safety Checklist
  • Medication Administration Attestation
  • Immunization Certification Form
  • Tax ID Form – W9
  • Training Requirements
  • Health & Safety Overview
  • FFN Fundamentals
  • CPR/First Aid Certification (required for non-relative care)

Contact Child Care Licensing if you have any questions about the FFN Program:
PO Box 4210
Helena MT 59620-4210
Phone: (406) 444-2012
Fax : (406) 444-2750 or Email: childcarelicensing@mt.gov

How do I attend FFN Training?

Please click here to be directed to training information on the Montana DPHHS website.

How do I find training?

  • New DIRECTOR Orientation Flowchart
  • New Teacher Orientation Flowchart
  • There are a number of statewide training opportunities for Early Childhood Providers.
  • HRDC’s CC Training: Click here to find classes, orientation requirements, First/AID/CPR and more.
  • Childcaretraining.org offers online training opportunities. Visit their catalog here for your professional development needs.
  • Trainings can be found on The Early Childhood Project (ECP) website by searching the Professional Development Calendar.
  • Online Registration for all courses is required and payment through the Early Childhood Project.  You will need to sign in or create an ECP account to complete online registration.

 

Community resources you may need to contact if you need training immediately:

    • Billings Clinic-  This American Heart Association Heartsaver courses are for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in first aid and/or CPR and AED to meet job, regulatory or other requirements. This course covers adult, infant and child CPR.  To register, you may do it online, call 406-255-8440 or 1-800-252-1246.
    • American Medical Response-  AMR offers American Red Cross certification and training in Adult, Child  CPR, First Aid and AED training.  Please contact Kim Hopkins at AMR: 406-259-9601 (She has flexibility in hours and can discuss where trainings can take place).
    • HRDC – We are working to bring you a new Hybrid Red Cross training which will include an Online learning portion, coupled with an in-person skills assessment. You will register and pay HRDC, take the online portion and pass, then schedule a skills test.  Watch the website (www.hrdc7.org)  for UPDATES regarding this  transition.

If you are a provider and are looking for information about how to apply to the Practitioner Registry, please click here.

Montana Early Childhood Project: The Montana Career Path

In an effort to reduce the costs of child care while ensuring children receive healthy and nutritious meals, eligible child care providers are given cash reimbursement for serving meals to enrolled participants that meet Federal nutritional guidelines, outlined in the CACFP meal pattern.

Do I apply for CACFP through HRDC?

Yes. HRDC administers the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for the Montana Department of Health and Human Services

What counties do you serve?

Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Fallon, Fergus, Musselshell, Prairie, Rosebud, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Wheatland and Yellowstone.

How many meals are eligible for reimbursement?

Participating providers may be approved to claim up to two meals and one snack, or two snacks and one meal, per day, per child.

What trainings are required as a CACFP participant?

Participants are required to participate in two mandatory trainings annually.

  • 2 hour regulations training includes a review of CACFP requirements, recordkeeping, payments and civil rights.
  • 2 hour nutrition training includes CACFP meal patterns, menus, recipes, and food safety.

Do you conduct site visits?

Yes. We will visit each CACFP participant’s site a minimum of three times a year.

How do I enroll in the CACFP?

Family and Group Home providers should call (406) 247-4700 to apply. Child Care Centers must apply through the state department or call 888-307-9333. Facilities must be licensed to qualify for CACFP.

For more information

Call (406) 247-4700 or Email childcare@hrdc7.org

CACFP is provided by the USDA and administered through the Montana Department of Health and Human Services CACFP program. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

For all other FNS nutrition assistance programs, State or local agencies, and their subrecipients, must post the following Nondiscrimination Statement:

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  • Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
  • Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  • Email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

  • Federal Relay Service poster
STARS-New-Logo-300x174

What is STARS?

The Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system that aligns quality indicators with support and incentives for early childhood programs and early childhood professionals. The Early Childhood Services Bureau has enjoyed watching the program grow and develop with the input from the various stakeholders, and has listened carefully to early childhood professionals, parents, and national experts to provide a strong program, desired by many.

 

STARS has several components:

  1. Workforce Development
  2. Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)
  3. Infrastructure to administer the programs, provide training , coaching, and technical assistance, and to validate the STARS system

How do I apply to be a STARS Provider?

Programs may apply for Best Beginnings STARS to Quality at any time on the Early Childhood Project website.  To apply, you must log in as an organization, go to the STARS tab, and click “Apply for STARS”.  If your application is accepted, you will be notified and sent a STARS to Quality agreement and W-9 which must be returned in order to be accepted into STARS to Quality.  Click the link below to apply. If you need assistance, contact HRDC Provider Services or click here for printable instructions.

For more information about Montana STARS to quality, visit the website: Best Beginnings STARS to Quality

What changes will I see as my child grows?

How your child plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves offers important clues about your child’s development. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age.
Click here to connect to the CDC website sharing more information about each stage.

 

Parenting Montana provides easy-to-use tools to support your child’s success from birth through the teen years. Click here to learn more.

 

Choosing Care Pointers

 

Click here to learn more about speech & language therapy resources for children.

This project is funded in whole or in part under a Contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department. These webpages are funded 100% by federal monies.

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