COVID-19 Information for Child Care

Montana Resources

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the “CARES Act” (Public Law 116-136) passed into law on March 27, 2020.

DPHHS is supporting Montanans impacted by COVID-19 with CARES Act funding in the following ways:

  • Financial support for licensed and registered child care programs
  • Financial support for temporary emergency child care
  • Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship
    • The Early Childhood Services Bureau covered 100% of copayments for families for the months of March, April, and May 2020
    • The Early Childhood Services Bureau is reimbursing providers to cover COVID-19 quarantine closures or absences for up to two weeks per month at 100% of the authorized amount beginning March 2020 

Financial Support for Licensed and Registered Child Care Programs

The Early Childhood Services Bureau offered emergency grants to programs impacted by COVID-19. DPHHS anticipates that by combining the emergency grant funds, plus the continued reimbursement for Best Beginnings Scholarship Child Care, plus the potential use of other non-profit and/or small business supports, child care providers should have the opportunity to support program expenses during this emergency period of time.  In addition to monetary supports, DPHHS continues to waive certain licensing criteria, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) criteria, and professional development requirements.  Provider grants were available in a single grant award for programs currently operating, or with plans to reopen. 

National Resources

For questions related to the Best Beginnings Scholarship, please contact:
Jody Lehman, CCDF Program Manager 
joseph.lehman@mt.gov
(406) 444-3928

For questions related to Child Care Licensing, please contact:
Penny Job, Child Care Licensing Manager
pjob@mt.gov
(406) 444-5977