There are three types of programs in Montana:

  1. Family Child Care Homes – Typically done in a home. One caregiver can care for 6 children. Only three of these children may be under the age of two.
  2. Group Child Care Home – These programs can serve up to 12 children at any given time with two caregivers. A group home can have no more than 6 children under the age of two.
  3. Child Care Center – Centers are licensed for more than 12 children. For infants, they must maintain a ratio of 1 caregiver to 4 infants. Centers go through a more intense and lengthy licensing process.

Family and Group homes are registered. Child Care Centers are licensed.

How to Start a Family or Group Home

  1. Call Child Care Connections to attend a one hour pre-orientation informational meeting. (Optional)
  2. Submit paperwork to Child Care Licensing for review.
  3. Attend the 2 hour New Provider Orientation session at Child Care Connections. (Mandatory)
  4. Attend the 2 1/2 hour Licensing Orientation session at Child Care Connections. (Mandatory)
  5. Upon receiving registration, you’re ready to open your program!

New Provider Orientation

All new child care providers and Legally Unregistered Providers must attend New Provider Orientation as a requirement of registration. Child Care Connections offers this course every 60 days. Please contact our Provider Services Coordinator, Shauna Gaona, for further information. Please phone Shardai Urdahl to register for these classes. Shauna and Shardai may both be reached by phoning Child Care Connections at 587-7786.

How to Start a Child Care Center

  1. Call Child Care Licensing at (406)522-2271 to obtain start up information and paperwork.
  2. Call Child Care Connections for support and training along the way.

For Complete licensing information please visit: www.childcare.mt.gov