Types of Child Care
Families have the right to choose their child care provider, and they have the responsibility to choose a legally-operating provider. Anyone providing child care to 3 or more chidlren on a regular basis is required by Montana law to be registered or licensed unless they are established primarily for educational purposes (preschool).
The types of child care in Montana are:
- Family, Friend, or Neighbor Care (also known as Legally Unregistered Providers): These providers may care for all of the children in one family OR a total of 2 children from separate families.
- Family Child Care Home: A family home has one adult provider registered to care for up to 6 children at one time in their home. These 6 children include the provider’s own children under the age of 6 and up to 3 children under the age of 2.
- Group Child Care Home: A group home has 2 adult providers registered to care for 7-12 children in the facility at one time. The number inclues the provider’s own children under the age of 6 and up to 6 children under the age of 2.
- Child Care Center: A center is licensed to care for 13 or more children, based on sqaure footage of facility and qualifications and numbers of staff members. Center regulations are separate from Family and Group regulations.
For more information, please contact DEAP CCR&R at 800-224-6034 or 406-234-6034.
