Stacking Blocks

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:

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 your county 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.

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HOW TO START A FAMILY OR GROUP CHILD CARE

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  1. Complete the application online HERE

  2. Obtain fire and liability insurance

  3. Complete a FBI background check

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

  5. Obtain an EIN number 

  6. Complete pre-service training requirements

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

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

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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. 

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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. 

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

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*If you need extra support contact us at the Butte 4-Cs*

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FFN/RCE Application 

FFN/RCE Training Requirements 

Additional Information 

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Mail your FFN Application to:

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

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Contact FFN Technician:

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

Step 3. Make sure to contact us at the Butte 4-C's so we can support you through the process!