Kids in Daycare

Become a Child Care Provider

Thinking about a career in early childhood? The Butte 4-C's is here to help you along the way! ​Individuals providing child care in the State of Montana must be registered or licensed if they are caring for more than two children. There are different types of child care facilities.

Step 1. Determine the type of care you wish to provide:

  • Licensed Center

    Provide child care to over 13 children meeting the established ratio of providers to children.

  • Registered Group Child Care Home

    Two child care providers may care for up to twelve children.

  • Registered Family Child Care Home

    One child care provider may care for up to six children.

  • Family, Friend, & Neighbor

    Care for two children from separate families OR all of the children from one family.

Step 2. Follow the licensing/registration procedures based on your decision.

How to Start a Child Care Center

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  1. Complete the application online HERE

  2. Look into any zoning laws that apply in your county to make sure your are in compliance.

  3. Complete pre-service inspections by state fire Marshall and sanitation

  4. Obtain fire and liability insurance

  5. Complete a FBI background check

  6. Register your business with the Montana Secretary of State's Office

  7. Obtain an EIN number 

  8. Complete pre-service training requirements

  9. Consult with Child Care Licensing to ensure everything is completed before operation

  10. To view the New License/Director Flowchart click HERE.

How to Start a Family or Group Child Care

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  1. Complete the application online HERE

  2. Complete pre-service inspections by state fire Marshall and sanitation

  3. Obtain fire and liability insurance

  4. Complete a FBI background check

  5. Register your business with the Montana Secretary of State's Office

  6. Obtain an EIN number 

  7. Complete pre-service training requirements

  8. Consult with Child Care Licensing to ensure everything is completed before operation

  9. To view the New License/Director Flowchart click HERE.

View upcoming training opportunities.

Family, Friends, & Neighbor Care (FFN or RCE)

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All paperwork for the Best Beginnings Family Friends and Neighbors Program is processed by a central office. Providers must pass Montana and FBI criminal background checks and Child Protective Services background checks but are not otherwise regulated or monitored by the State of Montana. To view FFN/RCE flowchart click HERE.

© 2023 by Butte 4-C's

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This project is funded, in whole or in part, under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The Statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the DPHHS. 

Call us:

406-723-4019

800.794.4061

Fax: 406.723.6982

Find us: 

101 N Main St. Butte MT. 59701

Hours: Monday - Friday 8am-5pm

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