BECOME A CHILD CARE PROVIDER

BECOME A CHILD CARE PROVIDER

Thinking about starting your own child care business? The Butte 4-C's is here to help. 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 child care providers. Below you can find steps to help you to begin your career in early care and education.

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

Licensed Child Care 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

Complete the application online HERE
Look into any zoning laws that apply in your county to make sure your are in compliance.
Complete pre-service inspections by your county fire Marshall and sanitation
Obtain fire and liability insurance
Complete a FBI background check
Register your business with the Montana Secretary of State's Office
Obtain an EIN number
Complete pre-service training requirements
Consult with Child Care Licensing to ensure everything is completed before operation
To view the New License/Director Flowchart click HERE.

HOW TO START A FAMILY OR GROUP CHILD CARE

Complete the application online HERE
Obtain fire and liability insurance
Complete a FBI background check
Register your business with the Montana Secretary of State's Office
Obtain an EIN number
Complete pre-service training requirements
Consult with Child Care Licensing to ensure everything is completed before operation
To view the New License/Director Flowchart click HERE.

FAMILY, FRIEND, & NEIGHBOR CARE (FFN or RCE)

All paperwork for the Family Friends and Neighbors Program is processed by a central office. Providers must pass an FBI criminal background check and will have some training requirements.

You will only be eligible to become an FFN/RCE if the family you are providing child care for is eligible for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship.

The family’s application paperwork (which is submitted to the Butte 4-C's) is separate from your application paperwork.

FFN/RCE Application

FFN/RCE Training Requirements

Additional Information

Mail your FFN Application to:

DPHHS/QAD/CCL
Attn: FFN
PO Box 4210
Helena MT 59620-4210

Contact FFN Technician:

FFNProgram@mt.gov
Phone: 406-444-0597