Recent Updates and Expanded Eligibility for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program
The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program is updating it’s policies to align with HB 648, which was passed during the 2023 legislative session. These updates will impact many families and child care programs across Montana. New updates include:
An updated Sliding Fee Scale: Income eligibility increases from 150% of the Federal Poverty Level to 185%, expanding eligibility to more families. Learn more about how much you can earn to qualify HERE!
Reduced copayments: a family’s monthly copayment is limited to a maximum of 9% of the family’s monthly income based on household size. If a family’s copayment is above 9%, it will automatically be reduced. An eligibility determination notice will be mailed outlining the lowered copayment effective July 1st, 2023.
New Child Care Attendance Policy: Beginning July 1st, 2023, a child must attend at least one day each month to be paid the monthly authorized amount. If a child begins attendance after the first of the month, only the days the child is in attendance will be paid.
These policies go into effect July 1st, 2023. You can read the full announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services HERE for more details and scholarship reminders.
