child care

Lawmakers rejected the second of two bills seeking to expand the state’s childcare scholarship program, Best Beginnings.

State lawmakers had mixed reactions to two bills that would make child care more affordable. One advanced while the other failed.

Childcare facilities around the state struggle with staffing and affordability. The challenges of finding and affording childcare seen across the state are worse in rural areas, where providers are scarce and wages tend to be lower. Legislators are assessing bills to subsidize childcare access.

Access to child care is out of reach for many Montana families. Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday toured a child care facility serving employees at a Helena hospital. The governor is encouraging private businesses to help with the state’s child care shortage.

Montana child care providers say access is still a major issue in the state. According to state data from 2022, Montana has licensed enough providers to meet less than half the need for out-of-home child care. They spoke about possible legislative action at a summit this week.

Eligibility for a state funded child care scholarship will expand starting July 1. Parents and providers say changes will make the program more affordable and accessible.

A proposal to expand low-income families’ eligibility for child care scholarships has advanced in the Montana House of Representatives.

The final application period for a grant program to aid Montana child care providers remains open through the end of the month. The grants are less than half the amount the state health department originally projected, frustrating some recipients.

The $31 million can help registered and licensed childcare providers pay for rent, mortgage and utility costs, cover payroll and benefits, or be used to purchase cleaning or childcare supplies. Mental health support for children and providers can also be requested.

Child care isn’t easy to find or pay for in Montana. While research shows the lack of affordable child care options has major impacts on the state’s…