Updated Services
Best Beginnings Scholarship Program
As of Monday, December 16th, Child Care Resources (CCR) will process all applications for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship for Gallatin, Park, Meagher,Lewis & Clark, Jefferson, and Broadwater Counties. All families with Best Beginnings cases through Child Care Connections have been transferred to Child Care Resources.
Rest assured, this change will not impact current Best Beginnings eligibility. No action is required from families or child care providers at this time
Child Care Referrals
As of Monday, December 16th, Child Care Resources will be processing all child care referral requests. Child Care Resources will also continue to administer the following Facebook Pages;
Child Care Provider Updates
As of Monday, December 16th, Child Care Resources will be processing all program updates. To update your vacancies, rates, general information, and to sign up for the referral program, visit HERE.
Background Check Services
Note: background checks for early childhood professionals are valid for 5 years.
Helena Area:
Effective November 25th, 2024, fingerprinting services will be available at the Child Care Licensing Office in Helena.
- Fingerprinting will be done by appointment only. No walk ins.
- To schedule fingerprints, please call Alex at 406-444-1828
- Please bring the following to your appointment: Current, Valid, Unexpired, Government-Issued Photo Identification
- If the fingerprint is for a minor, parent consent will be required.
Bozeman Area: If you are needing fingerprints during the transition process, options are listed below.
Note: They may not have the correct codes for CCL- (see sample card to ensure they are filled out correctly)
Park County Detention Center (406) 222-4100
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- Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2PM to 4PM (call ahead)
- Fee: $15
Meagher Sheriff’s Office
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- Call ahead (406) 547-3397
- Fee: Unknown
MSU University Police
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- Call ahead (406) 994-2121
- Fee: $15.00
Gallatin County Detention Center
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- Schedule now
- Fee: $15.54
CPR Training Options:
Bozeman Area
- (406) 201-1315, Fee: $115
- (406) 624-0448, Fee: $70 fee for members; $100 fee for non-members
Bighorn Fire Academy
- Contact Judy Story at (406) 581-0412
- Fee: $80
How to Get Assistance
Family Services
For assistance finding child care that meets your needs and applying for the Best Beginnings Scholarship Program, families should contact the their local CCR&R. Check out the local service region map to your right to find your CCR&R.
- 406-728-6446 or Toll Free: 800-728-6446
- 2409 Dearborn Avenue, Suite L, Missoula, MT 59801
- 406-761-6010 or toll free: 800-696-4503
- 410 Central Avenue, Suite 402, Great Falls, MT 59401
Provider Services
Support services for child care providers and early childhood professionals will be provided to a new statewide service called Shine Early Learning. More information about Shine’s services and how to connect will be available in the upcoming weeks. In addition, the following services will continue to be available for providers and early childhood professionals:
Raise Montana: provides emergency preparedness resources, training, connects providers to Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and, supports organizations with trauma informed care and policies.
Zero to Five Montana: provides business supports, education, and tools, and a team of experts to help child care providers run a successful early childhood business.
Montana Early Childhood Project: manages Montana’s early childhood practitioner registry. Track your professional development, access your learning records, and find & register for qualified trainings.
Child Care Training: provides required training and continuing education for early childhood professionals in Montana.
Child Care Licensing: will continue to monitor the safety and wellbeing of children in early childhood settings. To report a concern to licensing, individuals may file a complaint HERE. To report a possible case of child abuse or neglect, call toll free (866)820-5437
Community Collaborations & Remaining Services
Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) is excited to announce the integration of Child Care Connections’ (CCC) remaining programs to continue essential early learning support and advocacy. This move comes after CCC’s loss of state funding and reinforces GGUW’s commitment to addressing the region’s growing child care needs. See full press release HERE.
For more information visit, https://greatergallatinunitedway.org/early-learning-initiatives.
Stay Connected
As we move into a new chapter, your involvement in supporting children, families, and child care providers is still so important. It takes a village to make lasting change. Staying informed, sharing your ideas, and spreading awareness can help build a stronger, more supportive community for our children. We encourage you to stay connected, and continue to engage with the vital organizations advocating for children, families, and early childhood professionals in Montana:
Montana Advocates for Children (MAC): is a group of early childhood stakeholders committed to ensuring all Montanans have access to a robust and coordinated early child care and education system. MAC advocates for policies that protect, and promote the well-being of children in Montana. Sign up for the MAC Stack Newsletter to stay connected and engaged with policies impacting early childhood in Montana!
Zero to Five Montana: is a dedicated early childhood organization focused on increasing access to early care and education in Montana so families and communities can thrive. Through partnership and collaboration, they work to stabilize, innovate, and build our state’s early childhood system. You can register for an advocacy training, explore their advocacy toolkit, and stay connected with early childhood policy in Montana.
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies- MT: The Montana Coalition of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) is a statewide organization that works to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Montana families by supporting mothers and babies, age zero to three by advocating for public policies to achieve our mission, ensuring Montana families have the support and information they need to raise healthy children, and by building partnerships to create a network of maternal and child health services. HMHB facilitates the statewide coalition of local early childhood coalition leaders who promote the well-being of children and families through local initiatives collaboration. Connect with your local Early Childhood Coalition
