Initiatives for Child Care Providers
Who Care for Infants and Toddlers
More and more infants and toddlers are spending time each day in some type of child care setting. All children — especially infants and toddlers — need a place where they can thrive with consistent caregivers who understand how to promote their healthy growth and development. That’s because young children need appropriate stimulation. They need to be talked to and played with. They need love and attention. In addition, they need the opportunity to form the kind of comfortable, secure relationship with a caregiver that will advance their healthy emotional development.
The Early Childhood Services Bureau manages several initiatives aimed at increasing the skills and competence of individuals who care for infants and toddlers in Montana’s child care centers and homes.
The Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers
Individuals working in a Montana licensed or registered child care program at least 15 hours per week may apply for an award of $500 upon successful completion of Montana Infant Toddler Caregiver Education.
Infant Toddler Caregiver Certification
Caregivers wishing to earn Infant/Toddler Caregiver certification may do son in one of the following ways:
- Complete a sixty-hour course titled Montana Infant Toddler Caregiver Education;
- Take the equivalent of sixty hours of infant toddler training (4 credits) as part of a degree program in early childhood or child development, or
- Complete the Infant/Toddler CDA.
Find opportunities to participate in Montana Infant Toddler Caregiver Education.
