The Best Daycare Centers in Gildford, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Gildford. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Gildford
Bear Paw Montessori
Independent
Bear Paw Montessori offers authentic Montessori education serving children from infancy through kindergarten. Their certified Montessori teachers provide individualized learning in carefully prepared environments featuring natural materials and hands-on activities. The center emphasizes independence, respect, and lifelong learning skills with low student-teacher ratios. Facilities include secure outdoor play areas, organic gardens, and spacious classrooms designed specifically for Montessori education. They serve families throughout Hill County, including Gildford residents.
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Bear Paw Head Start
Community Action Partnership of North Central Montana
As part of the national Head Start program, this center provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services. The program focuses on school readiness through developmentally appropriate curriculum, health screenings, nutrition services, and family engagement. All teachers hold early childhood credentials and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. They offer transportation services that extend to Gildford area families and provide inclusive education for children with special needs.
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Little Learners Childcare Center
Independent
Little Learners provides comprehensive childcare services with a play-based educational approach that balances structured learning with creative exploration. Their curriculum includes literacy development, STEM activities, arts, and social-emotional learning. The center features secure facilities with age-appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. Staff members are CPR/first-aid certified and participate in ongoing professional development. They serve Blaine County communities including Gildford with flexible scheduling options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Gildford, MT
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Gildford, MT, and how do I find them?
In Gildford and the surrounding Hill County area, licensed childcare options primarily include registered family daycare homes and possibly licensed group homes or centers in nearby larger towns like Havre. Family daycare homes are common in small rural communities, where a provider cares for a smaller number of children in their own residence. To find licensed providers, you should contact the Hill County Health Department or use the online provider search tool through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Early Childhood Services Bureau. Due to Gildford's size, you may also need to inquire about providers in neighboring communities like Rudyard or Hingham, and consider informal networks or recommendations from local schools or churches.
What is the typical cost for full-time daycare in Gildford, and are there any financial assistance programs for Montana families?
In rural areas like Gildford, full-time daycare in a family home typically ranges from $600 to $900 per month per child, though prices can vary based on the provider, the child's age, and hours. Costs may be slightly lower than in Montana's urban centers. For financial assistance, Montana offers the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBCCS) program for eligible low- and moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). You can apply through the DPHHS. Additionally, some local providers may offer sliding scale fees, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Gildford, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given Gildford's small population, there are a limited number of licensed providers, which can lead to very limited availability and potentially long waitlists, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that parents start their search at least 6 to 9 months before they need care, and even earlier if possible. Many family daycare homes have only a few slots, and they fill up quickly. Proactively contacting all local providers, getting on multiple waitlists, and expanding your search to include providers in a 20-30 mile radius can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot.
What are Montana's licensing requirements for in-home daycare providers, and how can I verify a provider's license and compliance history?
In Montana, family daycare homes caring for up to 6 children (with no more than 3 under 24 months) must be registered with the state. Providers must pass background checks, complete health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), and have their home inspected for safety standards. You can verify a provider's license status, capacity, and any history of compliance issues or complaints through the Montana DPHHS Provider Search website or by calling the Early Childhood Services Bureau directly. Always ask to see a provider's current certificate of registration and don't hesitate to ask about their safety policies and emergency plans.
Besides traditional daycare, what alternative or part-time childcare options exist for families in the Gildford area?
Given the rural nature of Gildford, families often utilize a mix of options. These can include: 1) **Shared or Nanny Care:** Coordinating with another local family to share a nanny or babysitter. 2) **Preschool Programs:** The local Gildford Elementary School (part of the North Star School District) may offer a preschool program for 4-year-olds, which is typically part-day. 3) **Faith-Based Programs:** Local churches may offer mother's day out programs or seasonal vacation bible schools. 4) **Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Care:** This is very common, where a trusted relative or neighbor provides care, though it is often unlicensed. For school-age children, the school may offer before or after-school programs, but you would need to check directly with the district for availability.