Zero to Five

State economists say a lack of affordable child care has sidelined tens of thousands of parents from full-time work over the past few years. A grant program for employers is aimed at helping solve that problem.

The Best Beginnings Scholarship Program offers Montana families financial support for child care costs. But, cultural differences make it difficult for some tribal communities to qualify for the program.

Advocates for early child care and education have a list of ideas to boost access and affordability heading into the 2025 legislative session.

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.

A healthcare foundation has announced a big investment in Montana's youngest residents."To be able to say that we are coming together to do this work, it…