Our Referral Philosophy

Child Care Connections advocates quality care without recommending one program over another. We provide information to assist families in making informed placement decisions. Child Care Connections relies on the following ideals:

  1. Parents are encouraged to be responsible, informed consumers when choosing child care because the early years of a child's life are critical for his/her future development.
  2. Every child is entitled to a nurturing environment that strengthens and develops physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth.
  3. All families deserve equal consideration regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, special needs, economic resources, and family configuration.
  4. Quality early care and education is a partnership between parents, caregivers, and the children while incorporating professionalism, communication, and respect.

Child Care Referrals

Child Care Connections is an accredited resource and referral agency. Resource and referral agencies offer services to ensure that all families have access to accurate information about childcare options, quality indicators, and related resources.

Child Care Connections collects and maintains a database of licensed and registered providers in Gallatin, Park and Meagher counties.  A referral specialist determines the family's specific needs and provides a listing of available providers to meet those needs.  Consumer education on finding quality care is available. A referral packet is provided to assist parents in their search for care.

Online Referrals

Additional Information

Child Care Health and Safety Check List

Ask your child care provider these important questions.  The Checklist has been devised to address the most frequent risk factors for your child's health and safety while in a child care facility.

  1. Child to staff ratio. How many staff members are overseeing the children?  Are there enough to be attentive?
  2. Hazard-free environment.  Is play equipment safe and properly anchored?  Is there proper fencing?  Are water hazards minimized?  Are small toys/choking hazards removed?  Are cleaning supplies kept in locked cabinets?
  3. Emergency, first aid and medication policies.  Is medication stored and administered safely?  What emergency and first aid policies are in place?
  4. Criminal background checks.  Has a criminal and protective services check been conducted on personnel?
  5. Keeping children from exposure to illness.  Is there a policy to keep sick children home?  Are updated immunization records required?  Are snacks well-balanced and nutritious?

The Star Quality Child Care Rating System

A child care facility with symbols "R" or "L" is either Registered or Licensed.  All locations showing these emblems are operating in compliance with Montana state regulations.

A child care facility with a star symbol is a "1-Star" facility.  It has a 2-3 year extended license, and has demonstrated less than 50% turnover, regular parent communication, written job descriptions, and most employees have at least a Level 2 on the Montana Early Child Care and Education Career Development Registry.

A child care facility with two stars is a "2-Star" facility-the highest level.  It is accredited, has a 2-3 year extended license, turnover is monitored, and most employees have attained a Level 3 or higher on the Montana Early Child Care and Education Career Development Registry.

COMPLAINT POLICIES

As a referral agency, we do not register or license child care providers. The responsibility for investigating complaints and enforcing regulations rests with the state licensing agency with the Department of Public Health and Services (DPHHS). When we receive a complaint, we encourage the person making the complaint to report directly to the DPHHS licensing department.

We will respond to the following types of complaints by referring them to the licensing agency:

  1. If a person reports that a child in a child care facility is in immediate danger because of health and/or safety conditions. This would include a complaint of child abuse or neglect.
  2. If a person reports that the child care facility is not in compliance with licensing regulations. Licensing violations of a serious nature include, but are not limited to, the following situations:
    1. Corporal punishment.
    2. The provider is under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other controlled substance while providing care.
    3. Children are left with a minor, with no responsible adult in attendance.
    4. The center or home exceeds the licensed capacity.
    5. Staffing ratios are not being maintained.
  3. If a person reports that a facility is operating without a license or registration and licensing is required.

We will not respond to complaints when they involve a disagreement between a parent and a provider involving fees for child care services or other contractual issues.

Procedures for Discontinuing Referrals

  1. When DPHHS notifies us they are investigating a complaint, we will place a temporary hold on referrals until further notice from Licensing. Only when the licensing agency notifies our office that the complaint has been resolved or is unsubstantiated will the provider/center be reinstated on the referral list.
  2. When DPHHS revokes a facility license the provider will be permanently removed from the referral list.

Child Care Connections DOES NOT recommend one provider over another, nor do we place children in child care settings.  We do provide information to help parents make an informed placement decision.