News Contents Calendar Related Links State HRDC's Job Openings


• Home • News • Child Care Link • Domestic Abuse • Employment & Training • Energy Programs • Food Bank • Northern Montana Child Development Center • Mentoring • Housing • Related Links • Child Safety Seat Fitting Station •

horizontal rule

Child Care Centers

Opting for care in a child care center means that your child will be in a group setting outside of your home. Center-based programs care for thirteen or more children and children are usually grouped by age. Centers are licensed in Montana and are restricted by regulations that govern the number of children they are allowed to serve, the ratio of adults to children, and the educational qualifications of the caregivers. If the center is accredited, it means it has gone through a rigorous examination and meets the standards set by national organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Many parents prefer a center-based program for children who might benefit from a little more structure than you'd find with group (7-12 children) or family child care (1-6 children). It's also an appealing option if you want your child to be with peers of the same age. There is a correlation between the education and experience levels of the director and teaching staff and the quality of child care provided. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the teachers and director in the centers you visit.

To review licensing agencies and staff-to-child ratios for centers in Montana and other states, check out the National Child Care Information Center website and click on the state you are interested in.

horizontal rule

 

For more Local, State, and National information, please visit our Related Links page.

horizontal rule

This page last updated on Monday, November 13, 2006
This site property of
District IV HRDC, 2229 5th Ave, Havre, MT 59501
Phone 406-265-6743 or 1-800-640-6743
Fax 406-265-1312
Office Hours are 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday-Friday
© 2003
E-mail the webmaster