Child Care Connections
Service Transition
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Child Care Connections will be closing our doors. It has been a privilege and honor to serve our community for over 45 years. While our chapter is coming to an end, the services that we provide will continue to be available through other organizations. While we understand that change can be challenging, we are committed to ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible. Starting October 1st, 2024, we will be providing transition services to ensure the families and providers receive support they need. Read below to learn more about our available services in the upcoming months, and connect to the resources available to help you navigate your child care needs.
Transition Services
Best Beginnings Scholarship Program
Starting October 1st, 2024, Child Care Resources (CCR) will process all new applications for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship for our current service region. All families with Best Beginnings cases through Child Care Connections will be transferred to CCR in the following weeks.
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
Through the month of October, Child Care Connections will continue to provide referral services to help families explore child care options that meet their needs. Families can request a list of child care programs by completing our Child Care Needs Form, or you can join one of our Facebook Groups to safely connect with child care programs in your area:
Background Check Services
Child Care Connections will be offering additional fingerprinting appointments through the month November to support providers through the upcoming transition. Background check services will be available in the Helena office until October 24th, and in the Bozeman office until November 26th. Please visit our schedule for available appointments.
Note: background checks for early childhood professionals are valid for 5 years.
CPR & First Aid Training
Child Care Connections will be offering additional CPR & First Aid Courses during the months of October and November. Visit our Schedulicity calendar to see available training dates.
Note: CPR certification expires after 2 years.
Alternative 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
New Service Providers
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 you 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 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
