Montana Child Care Sliding Fee Scale
While this sliding fee scale may provide some guidance, families interested in a child care scholarship should have their income evaluated by the local child care resource and referraleligibility specialist. Some income sources do not count, when determining eligibility. In addition, calculations may be necessary to derive monthly figures in determining a family’s gross income.
Income Eligibility for Non-TANF Families
| Family Size | Maximum Monthly Gross Income |
| 2 | $1,711 |
| 3 | $2,146 |
| 4 | $2,581 |
| 5 | $3,016 |
| 6 | $3,451 |
| 7 | $3,886 |
| 8 | $4,321 |
To apply for program assistance contact your Child Care Resource & Referral Agency
Eligible Child Care Providers
Families receiving Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships must choose one of the following child care options:
- A Child Care Center, licensed by the State of Montana
- A Group Child Care Home, registered with the State of Montana;
- A Family Child Care Home, registered with the State of Montana; or
- A Legally Unregistered Provider (LUP) or Legally Unregistered In-home (LUI) provider.This is typically a family member or friend that has been approved for payment purposed by the State of Montana.
Montana Child Care Scholarship Reimbursement Rates
Scholarship reimbursement rates are based upon a survey of local child care providers’ rates. Rates are set so that eligible families can access approximately seventy-five percent (75%) of the providers in their area.Families are solely responsible for making their co-payment to their child care provider plus any fees or charges that may exceed the district child care provider rates.
