How to start a preschool in Montana

Aspiring preschool founders in Montana will navigate a clear, yet specific, path to establishing their early years setting. The state’s early childhood education sector is regulated by the Child Care Licensing (CCL) program, a part of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). This guide aims to demystify the process, from understanding the different types of childcare available in Montana to the detailed requirements for staffing, facilities, and health and safety. The CCL program monitors, inspects, and supports licensed and registered childcare facilities, ensuring the well-being of children. They conduct pre-inspections, ongoing monitoring, and annual inspections, and also follow up on complaints. Familiarising yourself with the specific regulations and working closely with the DPHHS-CCL team will be essential for a successful launch.

Regulations

Health safety: The health and safety of children in Montana childcare facilities are paramount, with detailed regulations covering various aspects. Facilities must maintain a smoke-free environment and have comprehensive emergency disaster and action plans in place. Health care requirements include documentation of the absence of unusual health risks for children under two years old. Immunisation records are mandated, following the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidelines (37.95.140). Policies for medication administration and storage (37.95.181, 37.95.182), first aid requirements (37.95.183), and promotion of proper health habits (37.95.184) are strictly enforced. Safeguarding children from abuse and neglect is addressed through mandated reporting (37.95.171), and staff must be trained in identifying and preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma (37.95.169). Supervision of children is required at all times.

Licensing overview: In Montana, the Child Care Licensing (CCL) program, under the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), is responsible for overseeing childcare facilities. This includes monitoring, inspecting, and supporting both licensed and registered operations. Prior to opening, all programs undergo a pre-inspection. Following this, ongoing monitoring and annual inspections are conducted to ensure continuous compliance with health, safety, and well-being regulations. The CCL also investigates complaints. The application process for various licence types can be completed online through the Child Care Provider Portal or via traditional mail by submitting the required documents outlined for each facility type.

Licensing authority: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services – Child Care Licensing (DPHHS-CCL)

Staff qualifications: All staff in Montana childcare facilities are subject to specific qualification criteria, background checks, and ongoing training. The DPHHS-CCL mandates that all staff complete a New Staff Health & Safety Orientation and courses such as 'Early Childhood Essentials' and 'Infant Safety Essentials: Practices including Safe Sleep and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome'. Lead teachers (ECLT) must meet specific requirements detailed in ARM 37.95.622, while assistant teachers (ECAT) carry out tasks under their guidance. All staff, including household members, must undergo FBI fingerprinting and criminal background checks as outlined in rule 37.96.10. Continuous professional development is required, with certain courses needing to be retaken every three years to maintain compliance.

Facility requirements: Montana childcare facilities must adhere to specific requirements concerning space, safety, and environmental health. A “Day Care Center” must be an out-of-home place caring for 16 or more children regularly. General safety requirements, emergency disaster and action plans, and a smoke-free environment are mandatory. Rules regarding fire prevention are overseen by the Fire Prevention and Investigation Bureau (23.12.407). Furthermore, public health requirements cover areas such as solid waste disposal, laundry, general housekeeping, specific provisions for children requiring cribs or diapers, food preparation and handling, nutrition, water supply systems, sewage systems, and swimming pools (37.95.205 – 37.95.227). All facilities must provide adequate space for program activities and support services.

Curriculum requirements: Montana's childcare regulations, outlined under 'Program Activities' in the state's rules (37.96.2 and 37.95.602), focus on ensuring diverse and developmentally appropriate experiences for children. While there isn't a single mandated curriculum framework like EYFS or NQF, the regulations emphasise guidance and discipline (37.95.606), and require facilities to provide materials and equipment suitable for the children's ages and developmental stages (37.95.613). The International Preschool Curriculum (IPC) could align well by demonstrating how its framework meets these broad programmatic requirements, supporting children's comprehensive development, and ensuring a varied and engaging learning environment. Providers are encouraged to develop programs that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.

Startup costs

Startup costs in Montana vary significantly based on the type and scale of the childcare facility. A small, home-based 'Family Home' or 'Group Home' will incur lower initial expenses, primarily for modifications, basic equipment, and licensing fees. A larger 'Center' catering to 60-100 children, especially if purpose-built or requiring extensive renovations, will see costs escalate due to property acquisition/lease, extensive safety installations, specialized educational equipment, and higher staffing needs. Location within Montana also plays a role, with urban areas potentially having higher property and labor costs. Ongoing monthly operational costs will be driven by rent/mortgage, utilities, staff wages, insurance, food, and continuous training requirements.

Timeline

1. Initial Research and Licence Type Determination (2-4 weeks): Begin by thoroughly reviewing the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Child Care Licensing (CCL) website. Determine which licence or registration type is appropriate for your proposed childcare operation: Family, Friend, Neighbor Provider, Family Home, Group Home, or Center. This initial phase involves understanding the broad requirements for each type and contacting local SPARK Learning Lab resources or the CCL Team for guidance. Familiarise yourself with the 'New Facility Flowchart' available on the DPHHS website to understand the overall process.

2. Application and Pre-Inspection Preparation (4-8 weeks): Gather all necessary documentation for your chosen licence type. This includes reviewing and completing the specific application packet for Family, Group, or Center providers, which can be found on the DPHHS-CCL website. Prepare your facility for the mandatory pre-inspection by ensuring it meets all preliminary health, safety, and facility requirements. This stage also involves initiating the FBI fingerprinting and background check process for all staff and household members, utilising resources like Spark Montana for free fingerprinting locations or other county options.

3. Staff Training and Onboarding (Ongoing, initial 4-6 weeks): Ensure all prospective staff complete the required initial training courses, including the 'New Staff Health & Safety Orientation', 'Early Childhood Essentials', and 'Infant Safety Essentials'. New Directors should also follow the 'New Director Orientation Flowchart'. These courses, offered through platforms like ChildCareTraining, are crucial for meeting licensing requirements. Ongoing training is a continuous requirement, with specific fee-based courses needing to be retaken every three years to maintain compliance and fulfil professional development registry hours.

4. Facility Compliance and Final Inspection (2-6 weeks): Address any issues identified during the pre-inspection and ensure full compliance with all Montana childcare rules and regulations, encompassing program activities, administrative, safety, medical, environmental health, nutrition, and immunisation standards. This includes adherence to specific requirements for space, materials, equipment, and child-to-staff ratios. The DPHHS-CCL will conduct a final inspection before your licence or registration can be issued. This step is critical for ensuring the facility is safe and ready to operate.

5. Licence Issuance and Opening (1-2 weeks): Upon successful completion of all inspections, compliance with regulations, and submission of all required documentation including satisfactory background checks and training certifications, the DPHHS-CCL will issue your childcare licence or registration. Once issued, you can officially open your preschool or early-years setting in Montana. Remember that ongoing monitoring and annual inspections will continue, and you must notify the DPHHS-CCL of any significant changes to your facility or program.

6. Ongoing Compliance and Annual Renewal (Annually): After opening, maintaining compliance with all Montana DPHHS-CCL regulations is an ongoing responsibility. This includes adherence to staff-to-child ratios, continued staff training, regular facility maintenance, and upholding all health and safety standards. You will undergo annual inspections, and it is crucial to submit your renewal application to the department prior to the certificate expiration date. Incomplete applications may result in a 'delayed renewal application,' potentially impacting your operational continuity.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence or registration to operate a childcare facility in Montana?

Yes, in Montana, most out-of-home childcare providers are required to be either licensed or registered by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Child Care Licensing (CCL) program. The specific type depends on the number of unrelated children cared for and the setting. For instance, a 'Center' caring for 16 or more children is licensed, while a 'Family Home' (3-8 children) or 'Group Home' (9-15 children) is registered. 'Relative Care Exempt Providers' are only exempt for Best Beginnings Childcare Scholarship payment purposes. It is crucial to determine your appropriate category by consulting the DPHHS-CCL's 'Do I need to be Licensed or Registered' resources.

What training is required for childcare staff in Montana?

All new childcare staff in Montana must complete several mandatory training courses. These include the 'New Staff Health & Safety Orientation', 'Early Childhood Essentials', and 'Infant Safety Essentials: Practices including Safe Sleep and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome'. These courses are vital for understanding the state's health and safety regulations. Directors also have a dedicated 'New Director Orientation Flowchart' to follow. While some courses are one-time requirements, others, particularly fee-based ones, must be retaken every three years to ensure ongoing competency and contribute to professional development registry hours as outlined by the DPHHS-CCL.

Where can I get FBI fingerprinting completed for my childcare background check in Montana?

FBI fingerprinting is a mandatory component of the background check process for all childcare providers and staff in Montana. The DPHHS Child Care Licensing (CCL) program requires this to ensure the safety of children. You can find locations offering free FBI fingerprinting through Spark Montana. Alternatively, if a Spark Montana location is not convenient, there are other fingerprinting locations available by county, details of which can be found on the DPHHS-CCL resources page. Remember to submit two copies of inked fingerprints directly to Child Care Licensing if not using an electronic service, and verify if payment is required for interstate checks.

What are the facility space requirements for childcare centres in Montana?

Montana's regulations, specifically ARM 37.95.610 for Day Care Centers, dictate minimum space requirements to ensure a safe and supportive environment for children. While precise square footage per child is not explicitly provided in the immediate sources, the rules broadly cover 'SPACE' and 'Support Services Space' (37.95.611) to ensure adequate room for program activities. Operators must also consider outdoor space provisions. Furthermore, fire and safety codes, overseen by the Fire Prevention and Investigation Bureau, will have specific dictates on building layout, exits, and occupancy. Comprehensive details are available in the 'Licensing Requirements for Child Care Centers' document provided by the DPHHS-CCL.

How are immunizations handled for children in Montana childcare facilities?

In Montana, childcare facilities are required to adhere to strict immunization policies. Rule 37.95.140, 'Immunization,' mandates that children must be immunized according to the schedule recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the U.S. Public Health Service. This rule also details specific requirements for various vaccines, including DT (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids) and DTP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis) vaccines. Facilities are responsible for maintaining accurate immunization records for all enrolled children. Any exemptions or specific situations would likely be detailed within the broader 'Medical Health' rules (37.96.5) issued by the DPHHS-CCL.

What are the rules regarding medication administration in Montana childcare?

Montana childcare facilities must follow specific guidelines for medication administration and storage to ensure children's safety. Rule 37.95.181, 'Day Care Facilities: Medication Administration,' and 37.95.182, 'Day Care Facilities: Storage And Administration Of Medication,' detail these requirements. Generally, medication must be stored securely, out of reach of children, and administered only with written parental consent and specific instructions from a physician. Staff responsible for administering medication must be properly trained to ensure correct dosages and times. Maintaining accurate records of all medication administered is also a crucial requirement enforced by the DPHHS-CCL.