The Best Daycare Centers in Fort Smith, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Fort Smith. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Fort Smith
Little Big Horn College Child Care Center
Little Big Horn College
Operated by Little Big Horn College, this NAEYC-accredited center provides high-quality early childhood education with a culturally responsive curriculum that incorporates Crow traditions and language. The center features highly qualified early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees, low teacher-to-child ratios, and a comprehensive developmental approach. Facilities include modern classrooms, secure outdoor play areas, and nutritionally balanced meals. The center serves families throughout the Fort Smith region and emphasizes school readiness through play-based learning and structured educational activities.
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Crow Tribe Early Head Start
Crow Tribe of Montana
This federally-funded Early Head Start program provides comprehensive child development services for infants and toddlers from low-income families in the Fort Smith area. The program features highly trained staff with early childhood credentials, developmental screenings, health services, and family support. The curriculum focuses on cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through research-based practices. The center maintains excellent safety records with secure facilities, regular inspections, and emergency preparedness protocols. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged through regular communication and family events.
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Little Saints Childcare & Learning Center
Independent
Located in nearby Hardin, this highly-rated childcare center serves families throughout Big Horn County including Fort Smith. The center offers a structured educational program with Montessori-inspired elements, focusing on individual child development and school readiness. Features include certified early childhood teachers, secure facility with surveillance systems, age-appropriate learning materials, and nutritious meal programs. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, math readiness, social skills, and creative expression through hands-on activities. The center maintains excellent staff retention and strong parent satisfaction through transparent communication and developmental tracking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Fort Smith, MT
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Fort Smith, MT, 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). This includes family daycare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet state standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. For Fort Smith specifically, which is a smaller community, many options may be licensed family homes. You can verify a provider's license status and view any past compliance reports through the DPHHS "Provider Search" tool on their website. It's highly recommended to check this database and ask the provider directly for their license number.
Given Fort Smith's small size, what types of childcare options are typically available, and are waitlists common?
Due to Fort Smith's rural nature and small population, your primary options will be licensed family childcare homes, which operate out of a provider's residence. There are unlikely to be large childcare centers in the immediate area. Given the limited number of slots, waitlists are very common and can be lengthy, sometimes several months to a year, especially for infant care. It's crucial to start your search as early as possible. Many families also explore informal arrangements with trusted neighbors or nanny-shares, though these are not licensed. Networking within the community, such as through local Facebook groups or community boards, is often the best way to learn about openings.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Fort Smith, and are there any local or state assistance programs to help with expenses?
While specific Fort Smith data is limited, average costs for licensed family childcare in rural Montana typically range from $600 to $900 per month for full-time care for a preschooler. Infant care is often more expensive. Costs can vary based on the provider's experience, hours, and services offered (like meals). For financial assistance, Montana offers the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBCS) program, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the DPHHS. Additionally, some local employers or community organizations may offer resources or referrals. It's advisable to contact the DPHHS Child Care Division or the local Resource for Parents office to apply for aid and get the most current cost information.
Are there any childcare programs in Fort Smith that offer part-time, drop-in, or after-school care for school-aged children?
Structured part-time or drop-in care is extremely limited in a small community like Fort Smith. Most licensed family homes prioritize full-time, consistent schedules to maintain their enrollment and income. For school-aged children, the primary option is often the after-school program potentially offered through the local school district (e.g., Fort Smith School). However, in very small districts, such programs may not exist due to funding and staffing. Parents frequently rely on informal care networks with other families, teen babysitters, or may need to coordinate with a home-based provider who is willing to offer before/after school transportation and care. Directly contacting the school administration is the best way to learn about any available structured programs.
What should I look for and ask about during a tour of a home-based daycare in Fort Smith, given the rural setting?
When touring a home-based daycare in Fort Smith, beyond standard questions about curriculum and daily routines, focus on location-specific factors. Ask about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather (common in Montana) and their protocol for medical emergencies, given the distance to major hospitals. Inquire about outdoor play areas and how they ensure child safety in a rural setting (e.g., fencing, proximity to roads or agricultural equipment). Verify their transportation plan if they offer school pickup. Check for proper licensing, proof of current CPR/first-aid certification, and ask for references from other local families. Also, discuss their policy on closures due to road conditions in winter, which can impact rural routes significantly.