How to Open a Daycare in Montana

Montana offers a supportive environment for establishing a childcare business, with clear regulations designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The state's Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) provides comprehensive resources to guide prospective providers through the licensing process.

This guide outlines the necessary steps, qualifications, and resources to help you navigate the process.

Do You Need a Childcare License in Montana?

Yes, in Montana, operating a childcare facility typically requires obtaining a license or registration, depending on the type of care provided. The state recognizes several categories of childcare programs:

• Family, Friend, Neighbor (FFN) Provider: Registered providers who may care for a sibling group of any size or up to four unrelated children in their home or the child's home.
• Family Home: A private residence where care is provided for 3 to 8 children on a regular basis; considered a registered facility.
• Group Home: A private residence or other structure where care is provided for 9 to 15 children on a regular basis; also considered a registered facility.
• Child Care Center: An out-of-home facility providing care for 16 or more children on a regular or irregular basis; considered a licensed facility.

Childcare Licensing Requirements in Montana

The licensing requirements in Montana vary based on the type of childcare facility. Below is a breakdown of the key requirements for each category:

For Family, Friend, Neighbor (FFN) Providers

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• Complete orientation approved by the department.

• Obtain certification in infant choking response, pediatric first aid, and infant, child, and adult CPR.

• Complete at least eight hours of approved annual training per year.

• Complete a health and safety review course every three years.

For Family and Group Homes

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Complete facility overview training.

• Be immunized with a Tdap vaccine and one dose of the MMR vaccine.

• Sign a health attestation.

• Meet background check requirements.

• Complete a program management course within 60 days of becoming a director.

• Be registered on the Montana Early Childhood Project (ECP) Practitioner Registry.

• Obtain certification in infant choking response, pediatric first aid, and infant, child, and adult CPR.

• Complete required early childhood teacher orientation.

• Complete training on sudden infant death syndrome, use of safe sleep practices, prevention of shaken baby syndrome, and abusive head trauma.

Capacity Requirements

• Family Home: Care for 3 to 8 children. If more than eight children are present, at least two caregivers must be available at all times. No more than three children under the age of two can receive care unless the home exclusively cares for children under two.

• Group Home: Care for 9 to 15 children. If more than eight children are present, at least two caregivers must be available at all times. No more than six children under the age of two can receive care.

Physical Space Requirements

• Indoor and outdoor play areas must be clean, reasonably neat, and free of health hazards.

• If any part of an outdoor play area is adjacent to hazardous areas, it must be enclosed with a fence.

• Outdoor play areas must always be visible and easily supervised by staff.

• Provide a minimum of 35 square feet of indoor play and learning space per child and 75 square feet of outdoor play space per child.

• All rooms must be dry, well-ventilated, and well-lit.

For Child Care Centers

Director Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Complete a background check.

• Sign a health attestation.

• Be immunized with a Tdap vaccine and one dose of the MMR vaccine.

• Complete facility overview on-the-job training.

• Be registered on the Montana Early Childhood Project (ECP) Practitioner Registry.

• Obtain certification in infant choking response, pediatric first aid, and infant, child, and adult CPR.

• Complete required early childhood teacher orientation.

• Have two years of experience in an early childhood program, such as a licensed or registered childcare facility or Head Start program, plus 32 hours of Early Childhood Project (ECP) training or level 2 or higher on the ECP Practitioner Registry.

Staff-to-Child Ratios and Group Size

• Newborn to 23 months old: 1:4 ratio; maximum group size of 12 children.

• Two to three years old: 1:8 ratio; maximum group size of 16 children.

• Four years old: 1:10 ratio; maximum group size of 24 children.

• Five years old and older: 1:14 ratio; maximum group size of 32 children.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Childcare Provider in Montana

Once you've submitted your application to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, follow these steps:

1. Create a Business Plan: Define your mission, target audience, and financial plan.

2. Define Your Mission and Branding: Establish a mission statement and branding identity.

3. Explore Funding Opportunities: Look into grants and funding options.

4. Select and Prepare Your Location: Ensure compliance with safety and zoning requirements.

5. Secure Your License and Permits: Complete inspections and background checks.

6. Recruit and Hire Qualified Staff: Ensure compliance with Montana’s childcare staffing requirements. 

7. Develop a Curriculum: Select a curriculum that aligns with Montana's early childhood education guidelines.

8. Promote Your Daycare: Utilize marketing strategies and tips.

9. Streamline Enrollment: Implement an efficient enrollment system to ensure a smooth parent jourey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to open a daycare in Montana?

No, but specific training and certifications are required depending on the type of facility.

What certifications do I need to open a daycare in Montana?

Certifications typically include first aid, CPR, safe sleep training, and child development training.

What are the startup costs for a daycare in Montana?

Startup costs vary depending on location, facility type, and required renovations. Costs typically include licensing fees, insurance, equipment, and staff wages.

Can I run a daycare from my home in Montana?

Yes, Montana allows family and group home daycare operations with appropriate licensing and compliance with state regulations.