Licensed Daycare in Montana
Find the right daycare in Montana in under 5 minutes. 650 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Montana licensing records.
Montana childcare by the numbers
Montana Childcare Licensing
In Montana, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Montana: Montana has limited supply outside Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman. Best Beginnings scholarships serve families up to 150% federal poverty level with sliding-scale copays.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:8
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $920/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $720/mo
Montana Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Montana runs about $11,040/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Montana center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Montana
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Check eligibility for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship. Most Montana families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Montana often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (406) 444-5900.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division database and tour during operating hours.
Montana Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Montana families can apply for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (406) 444-5900
Official Montana & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Montana — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Montana is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Montana?
How much does daycare cost in Montana?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Montana?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Montana daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Montana
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programMontana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(406) 444-5900 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Montana are compiled from official Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 650 Licensed Montana Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.