The Best Daycare Centers in Black Eagle, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Black Eagle. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Black Eagle
Bright Horizons at Great Falls
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Great Falls is a nationally accredited childcare center located just 5 miles from Black Eagle. They offer a comprehensive early education curriculum focused on school readiness and social-emotional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive background checks for all staff. Their World at Their Fingers curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, dedicated learning centers, and nutritious meal programs. Parent communication is enhanced through daily reports and a dedicated parent app.
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The Goddard School of Great Falls
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Great Falls serves the Black Eagle community with their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic preparation with social development. The center is known for its highly qualified teachers, many of whom hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education. Safety features include secured entry systems, comprehensive emergency protocols, and regular safety drills. The curriculum incorporates STEAM learning, foreign language exposure, and character development. The facility features multiple playgrounds, indoor gross motor spaces, and dedicated art and music rooms. Parents appreciate the regular progress updates and the school's commitment to individualized learning plans for each child.
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Little People's Learning Center
Independent
Little People's Learning Center has been serving the Great Falls and Black Eagle communities for nearly two decades with a play-based learning approach that emphasizes social skills and kindergarten readiness. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and employs teachers with extensive early childhood experience. Their curriculum focuses on literacy development, math concepts, and social studies through hands-on activities and center-based learning. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, comprehensive staff training, and regular facility maintenance. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks included in tuition and maintains open communication with parents through daily reports and regular parent-teacher conferences. Their outdoor play areas are designed for age-appropriate physical development and exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Black Eagle, MT
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Black Eagle, Montana, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Montana, all childcare facilities caring for more than three unrelated children must be licensed by the state's Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood Services Bureau. This includes family daycare homes and childcare centers in Black Eagle. Licensed providers must meet specific standards for staff-to-child ratios, safety inspections, background checks, and health protocols. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Provider Search" tool on the Montana DPHHS website or contact the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Region 4, which serves Cascade County. It's always recommended to ask the provider directly for their license number and to see their most recent inspection report.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in the Black Eagle and Great Falls area, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to limited childcare options in the Black Eagle and greater Great Falls area, waitlists can be significant, especially for infants and toddlers. It is common for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For parents in Black Eagle, we strongly recommend beginning your search for childcare as soon as you know you will need it, ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months in advance of your desired start date. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists and to follow up regularly. Exploring licensed family daycare homes in the residential neighborhoods of Black Eagle can sometimes offer shorter wait times than larger centers.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Black Eagle, MT?
Childcare costs in Black Eagle are generally aligned with those in Cascade County. For full-time care (5 days a week), you can expect to pay approximately $700 to $950 per month for a toddler, and $800 to $1,100+ per month for an infant. Family daycare homes may sometimes be on the lower end of this range, while accredited centers with extended hours or specialized curricula may be on the higher end. To help with costs, Montana offers the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBCS) for eligible families based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the DPHHS website or seek assistance from local agencies like the Great Falls Early Childhood Coalition.
Are there any childcare options in Black Eagle that offer non-traditional hours for parents working shifts at local employers like the refinery or in healthcare?
Yes, this is a critical need in our industrial community. While options are limited, some providers cater to non-traditional hours. A few licensed family daycare homes in the area may offer evening, overnight, or weekend care. Additionally, some larger childcare centers in nearby Great Falls may offer extended hours that start very early (e.g., 5:30 AM) to accommodate shift workers. It requires diligent searching and direct inquiry. We recommend contacting the Child Care Resource and Referral for Region 4 (406-761-6010) as they maintain the most current database of providers and can filter for those offering "non-standard hours." Networking with other local parents at your workplace can also yield valuable leads.
What local resources or organizations in Cascade County can help me find and evaluate childcare options in Black Eagle?
The primary resource is the **Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Montana's Region 4**, which is operated by the Great Falls Early Childhood Coalition. They provide free, personalized referrals to licensed providers in Black Eagle and Great Falls, help with understanding quality indicators, and offer guidance on financial assistance. You can reach them at (406) 761-6010. Additionally, the **Great Falls Public Library** often hosts parenting resources and community bulletin boards with local provider information. For evaluating quality, look for providers participating in Montana's **STARS to Quality** program—a voluntary quality rating and improvement system. Providers with higher STAR ratings have demonstrated commitment to exceeding basic licensing standards.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Black Eagle: