The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Harrison, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Harrison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Harrison
The Goddard School of Helena
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Helena offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios. They serve military families from Fort Harrison with flexible scheduling and comprehensive age-specific programs.
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Primrose School of Helena
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Helena provides balanced learning through their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development. The school features secure facilities with coded entry, dedicated age-specific learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds. Their staff includes degreed early childhood educators who receive ongoing training. They offer nutritious meals and snacks and maintain strong communication with parents through regular updates and conferences.
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Little Einstein's Learning Center
Independent
Little Einstein's Learning Center offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on hands-on learning and individualized development. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and social skills through thematic units and project-based learning. The center features secure facilities with surveillance systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and large outdoor play areas. Staff members include certified early childhood educators with extensive experience, and the center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. They provide nutritional meals and have established partnerships with local schools and community resources, serving many military families from Fort Harrison.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Harrison, MT
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fort Harrison, Montana, and how can I verify a provider's status?
In Fort Harrison and all of Montana, childcare providers must be licensed by the state's Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood Services Bureau. This includes family childcare homes (caring for up to 12 children) and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a provider's license status, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Montana DPHHS website. This is a crucial first step for parents in Fort Harrison, as it confirms the facility operates legally and meets minimum state standards. You can also contact the local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Region 4, which serves the Helena area, for assistance.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers or in-home providers in the Fort Harrison area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of dedicated childcare facilities in the immediate Fort Harrison area, which is a small census-designated place near Helena, waitlists can be significant. It is common for popular centers in nearby Helena or for well-regarded in-home providers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, especially for infant care. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or at least 4-6 months before their needed start date. Exploring options in the broader Helena area will increase your chances of finding an opening sooner.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare for an infant or toddler in Fort Harrison, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
While costs can vary, the average cost for full-time infant care in the Helena/Fort Harrison region ranges from approximately $800 to $1,200 per month. For toddlers, it may be slightly lower, around $700 to $1,000 per month. In-home family childcare is often a more affordable option. For financial assistance, Montana offers the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBCS) program, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the state, and families apply through the DPHHS. Additionally, some providers may offer sibling discounts. Given the proximity to Fort Harrison, families may also inquire about potential assistance or referral programs through military family support services if applicable.
Are there any unique childcare options or programs in Fort Harrison that cater to families with non-traditional or shift work schedules?
Finding childcare for evenings, overnight, or weekend shifts is particularly challenging in Fort Harrison due to its small size and rural nature. Most standard providers operate Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Your best options are to seek out licensed family childcare homes that may offer more flexible hours or to arrange a nanny share with other families in the community. Some providers in the larger Helena area may accommodate shift workers, but they are rare. Networking with other local parents, especially those connected to the Montana National Guard or other 24/7 operations in the area, can be invaluable for finding or creating flexible care solutions.
What should I look for during an in-person visit to a potential daycare provider in the Fort Harrison/Helena area?
Beyond checking for a valid license, a visit should assess the environment and practices. Specifically for this area, ask about their outdoor play policy given Montana's variable weather—do they have adequate indoor gross motor space for cold or smoky days? Observe cleanliness and safety, noting if emergency plans for wildfires or severe winter storms are posted. Ask about staff qualifications and turnover; consistent, trained caregivers are key. Inquire about their sick policy and how they handle minor illnesses, which is important in a close-knit community. Finally, trust your instincts on the caregiver's warmth and engagement with the children, and ask for references from current parents.