Montana childcare licensing is administered by the Quality Assurance Division within DPHHS. Facilities caring for 6 or more children must be licensed. Montana has lower population density than most states, and many rural areas are served by licensed family child care homes. SB 412 (2025) raised the unlicensed family child care threshold from 3 to 4 unrelated children.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 18 months) | 1:4 | — |
| Toddlers (18 months–3 years) | 1:6 | — |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:10 | — |
| School age | 1:14 | — |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per Montana immunization schedule required on file.
Medical/Health Assessment
Physician-signed health report required for enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
State and federal criminal background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
High school diploma or GED required. Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework recommended.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required. Contact DPHHS for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director qualification requirements set by DPHHS Quality Assurance Division.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact DPHHS Quality Assurance Division to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact DPHHS for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
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