The Best Daycare Centers in Belfry, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Belfry. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Belfry
Little Lambs Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Little Lambs provides comprehensive early childhood education with a play-based learning approach. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, literacy, and kindergarten readiness. Certified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios, and the facility features secure access, outdoor play areas, and nutritional meal programs. Highly regarded for personalized attention and strong parent communication in the Red Lodge area, serving Belfry families.
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Bearcub Preschool & Childcare
Independent
Bearcub offers a nature-inspired curriculum that incorporates outdoor learning and environmental education. Their certified early childhood educators provide structured activities focusing on cognitive development, creative expression, and physical coordination. The center features secure facilities, age-appropriate learning materials, and regular developmental assessments. Known for their engaging outdoor program and experienced staff serving the Carbon County region.
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Powell Valley Preschool & Daycare
Independent
Serving families across the Montana-Wyoming border region, Powell Valley provides a comprehensive early learning program with emphasis on literacy, mathematics, and social skills development. Their state-licensed facility features secure environments, qualified teaching staff with CPR/first aid certification, and developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center is noted for its structured daily routine, parent involvement opportunities, and flexible scheduling options for working families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Belfry, MT
What are my licensed childcare options in Belfry, MT, given its rural setting?
In Belfry, MT, licensed childcare options are primarily limited to registered or licensed family daycare homes due to the small population. There are no large daycare centers in the immediate town. Your best resource is the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Child Care Licensing Program, which maintains an online searchable directory of licensed providers. You can filter for Carbon County to find homes in Belfry and nearby communities like Bridger or Red Lodge. Given the limited number of slots, many parents also rely on trusted, legally exempt "neighbor-relative" care, but licensed homes offer the assurance of meeting state standards for safety, capacity, and provider training.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in the Belfry area?
Due to very limited provider capacity in Belfry and Carbon County, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, especially for infant spots. Many licensed family homes may only have 1-2 openings per year. We recommend contacting providers directly, even if they currently show no openings, to express interest and secure a place on their informal list. Expanding your search to include providers in Bridger (about a 20-minute drive) can increase your options, but will also involve a commute.
What are the typical costs for full-time childcare in a Belfry family daycare home?
For a licensed family daycare home in Belfry and surrounding Carbon County, you can expect to pay an average of $30 to $45 per day for full-time care, which translates to roughly $600 to $900 per month. Infant care often costs at the higher end of this range. These rates are generally lower than Montana's urban averages but are significant relative to local incomes. It's crucial to discuss what is included in the rate (meals, snacks, supplies) and the policy for payment during provider vacations or your child's sick days. Financial assistance may be available through the Montana DPHHS Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship program for eligible families.
What specific state licensing requirements should I look for when vetting a daycare provider in Montana?
All licensed providers in Montana, including those in Belfry, must meet standards set by DPHHS. Key requirements to verify include: passing background checks for all household members over 14, completing pediatric first aid and CPR certification, having a safe home environment with fire extinguishers and covered electrical outlets, maintaining a safe staff-to-child ratio (e.g., 1:6 for mixed-age groups in a home), and completing ongoing training in early childhood development. You can ask the provider for their license number and verify their status online. A licensed provider will have had a pre-licensing home inspection and is subject to annual unannounced visits.
Are there any local resources or programs in Carbon County to help parents find and afford childcare?
Yes, there are important county and state resources. First, contact the **Carbon County Resource Council** or the **District 6 Human Resources Development Council (HRDC)** in Billings, which serves Carbon County. They can provide referrals and information on the **Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship**. Additionally, the **Montana Child Care Resource and Referral Network** (visit childcaremontana.org) offers a free referral service to help parents find licensed care. For school-age children, inquire about after-school programs through Belfry School or community clubs like 4-H. Given the rural nature, networking through local churches, community boards at the Belfry Post Office, and Facebook groups (e.g., "Carbon County MT Community Board") is also a common and effective way to discover openings.