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Licensed Daycare in Montana

Search 650 verified daycare and childcare centers across Montana, sourced directly from Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

650
Licensed Centers
$920/mo
Avg Infant Care
$720/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

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.

Verify a license at Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division

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
Financial help

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

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Daycare in Montana — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Montana is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/childcare/licensing.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Montana?
State minimums in Montana are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:8 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Montana?
Full-time infant care averages about $920/month; preschool runs around $720/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Montana trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Montana?
Yes. The primary state program is Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship, reachable at (406) 444-5900. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Montana daycare?
File a complaint with the Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 650 Licensed Montana Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.