The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBS) program helps Montana families afford quality child care, allowing parents to participate more fully in the workforce and focus on their children(s) well-being. 

Parents & Families

Get Help Paying for Child Care

How does it work?

Families make a co-payment based on income, using a sliding fee scale.

How do I apply?

Applying is easy!

• PRINT: Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Application
  • Based on the county you live in, upload, email, or fax your application to either:
    • Child Care Resources or;
    • Family Connections 
• DIGITAL: Apply Online
  • This is the best option. Your application goes directly to the child care agency based on the county you live in.
• Need help finding or applying for care? Contact your Child Care Agency or visit our Provider Locator Map

Who is eligible?

Families earning less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level with children in licensed care, including centers, family homes, and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) care are eligible. Income and co-payments are determined by the Child Care Sliding Fee Scale. Co-payments are paid directly to your child care provider.

Parents must be participating in eligible activities:

• Two-parent families working at least 120 hours per month.
• Single-parent families working at least 60 hours per month.
• Single parent or two-parent families in which all of the parents attend school/training full time do not have to meet a work requirement.
• Single parent or two-parent families in which one or more of the parents attend school/training part time shall meet a work requirement that accounts for the education/training.
• Teen parents must be attending high school or a high school equivalency program.
• Child care assistance authorization is based on the child's need for care.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Eligible while participating in their Family Investment Agreement. Contact your Child Care Agency.

Tribal Families

Dually eligible for Tribal CCDF Block Grant and Montana Child Care Scholarship.

Child Support

Non-TANF households must cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Division or have an approved reason not to.

Child Care Providers

Join a Caring Community of Licensed Providers

Why make Best Beginnings part of your business?

When you are licensed with the state of Montana you can welcome children receiving the BBS into your care. The program's monthly payments make it easy to budget and build your business.

Check out the BBS reimbursement rates to see how much you could earn supporting kids in your community.

How it works

To accept BBS children you must first become licensed. The application process to become a licensed provider is straightforward. Apply online, or visit our licensing page to learn more. 

If you are a licensed provider complete the following steps to begin: 

1. Complete the Rights and Responsibilities Agreement in the Provider Portal
2. Enroll a child on the Scholarship
3. Set up invoicing
4. Make a meaningful impact in your community 

Benefits

• Reliable source of revenue in the form of subsidy payments
• Receive payments at the beginning of each month
• Connect with a community of peers dedicated to supporting working families
• Access to Best Beginnings Scholarship technical support.

What's the commitment?

Child care providers receiving the BBS commit to quality child care standards to ensure children in their care are safe, happy, and healthy. They receive yearly inspections and agree to the terms and conditions set force by DPHHS.

Payment

Families and providers can make online overpayments via the Business and Fiscal Services Division’s Online Portal.