The Best Daycare Centers in Forsyth, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Forsyth. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Forsyth
Little Einstein's Learning Center
Independent
Little Einstein's Learning Center is a highly-regarded local childcare facility in Forsyth that emphasizes early childhood development through play-based learning and structured curriculum. The center features state-certified teachers with backgrounds in early childhood education, maintaining excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Their comprehensive program includes age-appropriate STEAM activities, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and safe outdoor play areas with modern equipment. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, maintain rigorous safety protocols including secure entry systems, and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate working families in the Forsyth community.
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Creative Learning Center
Independent
Creative Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a focus on individualized child development in Forsyth. The center employs qualified early childhood educators who implement a balanced curriculum combining Montessori-inspired activities with traditional preschool preparation. Their approach emphasizes hands-on learning, creative expression, and developmental milestones tracking. The facility features bright, well-organized classrooms, age-appropriate learning materials, and secure outdoor play spaces. They maintain strict health and safety standards, provide daily communication with parents, and offer enrichment activities including music, art, and movement education tailored to each age group.
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Bright Horizons at Billings
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
As part of the nationally recognized Bright Horizons network, this Billings center serves families throughout southeastern Montana, including those commuting from Forsyth. The center features an Emergent Curriculum approach that builds on children's interests while ensuring kindergarten readiness. Their highly qualified staff includes teachers with degrees in early childhood education and ongoing professional development. The facility offers state-of-the-art learning environments, comprehensive safety protocols, and developmentally appropriate technology integration. Bright Horizons provides enrichment programs in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies, along with nutritious meal programs and flexible scheduling options for working parents in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Forsyth, MT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Forsyth, MT, and are there any local assistance programs?
In Forsyth and the surrounding Rosebud County area, full-time daycare for an infant or toddler typically ranges from $600 to $850 per month. Costs can vary based on the provider's license type (family home vs. center), the child's age, and included services like meals. Given the rural nature of the community, options are limited, which can sometimes keep prices competitive but also lead to waitlists. For financial assistance, Montana offers the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Program. Eligibility is based on family income, work, or school requirements. Parents can apply through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Additionally, local organizations like the Forsyth Food Pantry or community action agencies may have information on temporary aid or sliding scale options with certain providers.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Forsyth is properly licensed and what are Montana's key licensing requirements I should know about?
All licensed childcare providers in Montana are regulated by the DPHHS Early Childhood Services Bureau. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past inspection reports by using the online "Child Care Licensing Lookup" tool on the Montana DPHHS website. Key requirements for providers in Forsyth include: maintaining specific staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants), ensuring all staff pass background checks and have required training in CPR/First Aid and early childhood development, and meeting health and safety standards for the facility. In Montana, small family childcare homes (serving up to 6 children) can be either registered or licensed, with licensed homes undergoing more rigorous oversight. Always ask to see a provider's current license and feel free to discuss their compliance with state standards.
Are there any daycare centers or preschools in Forsyth that offer part-time or drop-in care, which might suit shift workers or parents with irregular schedules?
Finding consistent part-time or drop-in care in a small community like Forsyth can be challenging, as most licensed family homes and the limited centers often prioritize full-time enrollments to maintain stability. However, some licensed family childcare homes may offer flexible arrangements by agreement. Your best strategy is to contact providers directly to inquire about potential part-time slots or a "shared spot" arrangement with another family. For true drop-in care, options are extremely rare. Parents with irregular schedules, such as those in healthcare, retail, or energy sectors common to the area, often need to build a network of trusted backup caregivers, such as family, friends, or certified babysitters. Checking community boards at the Forsyth Public Library or the local IGA grocery store might yield leads for occasional sitters.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for daycare in Forsyth, and when should I start looking for care?
Due to the limited number of providers in Forsyth, availability is often tight, especially for infants and toddlers. It is not uncommon for the few licensed family homes or the local preschool program to have waitlists ranging from several months to over a year. We strongly recommend that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin their search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before care is needed. Contact all licensed providers listed on the state website, get on multiple waitlists, and check in periodically. For school-age care (before/after school), the Forsyth Public School District may offer a program, but spaces are limited. Persistence and early planning are crucial in this rural childcare market.
Beyond basic daycare, are there any early learning or preschool programs in Forsyth for 3- and 4-year-olds that focus on school readiness?
Yes, Forsyth has options focused on early learning. The Forsyth Public School District typically operates a preschool program for children ages 3-4, which often has income-based eligibility requirements and may give priority to children with developmental needs. This program follows a school calendar and focuses on kindergarten readiness skills. Additionally, some licensed family childcare providers incorporate preschool curricula into their daily activities. Another valuable resource is the DPHHS Early Childhood Services Bureau, which can provide referrals to programs like Early Head Start or Head Start, though these may be based in neighboring communities with transportation required. For all options, enrollment processes and timelines vary, so contacting the school district and individual providers well in advance is essential.