The Best Daycare Centers in Jordan, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Jordan. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Jordan
Garfield County Developmental Preschool
Garfield County School District
Operated by the Garfield County School District, this developmental preschool provides comprehensive early childhood education with a focus on individualized learning plans. The program emphasizes early literacy, social-emotional development, and kindergarten readiness through play-based learning. Certified early childhood educators and special education professionals create inclusive environments. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, sensory areas, and outdoor play spaces. What makes this center stand out is its integration with the local school system, ensuring smooth transitions to elementary education and strong community connections.
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Circle of Friends Preschool & Daycare
Independent
A locally-owned and operated childcare facility serving the Jordan community with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center focuses on developmental milestones through structured play, creative arts, and early academic foundations. Staff members are CPR/First Aid certified with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The home-like environment features secure indoor play areas and fenced outdoor spaces. What distinguishes this daycare is its family-centered approach, flexible scheduling for rural families, and strong emphasis on community values and individual child attention.
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Miles City Early Learning Center
Independent
Serving Eastern Montana families including those from Jordan area (approximately 90 miles), this established early learning center provides high-quality childcare with a research-based curriculum. The program emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and social skills through hands-on learning experiences. All lead teachers hold early childhood education credentials and the center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios. The facility features modern security systems, nutritional meal programs, and developmentally-appropriate learning environments. What makes this center exceptional is its comprehensive educational approach, extended hours accommodating rural commutes, and strong track record of kindergarten readiness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Jordan, MT
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Jordan, Montana, and how do I find them?
In Jordan, Montana, licensed childcare options are primarily limited to Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs) due to the small population. These are in-home providers licensed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) to care for a small number of children, typically up to six. There are currently no large daycare centers in Jordan. To find licensed providers, your best resource is the Montana Child Care Resource and Referral Network (CCR&R). You can contact them at 1-800-213-6314 or visit their website to search for providers in Garfield County. Additionally, checking local bulletin boards at the post office, Garfield County Courthouse, or the Jordan School can yield information about local in-home providers.
What is the typical cost for full-time childcare in Jordan, and are there any financial assistance programs for families?
In Jordan, due to limited supply, full-time childcare in a licensed Family Child Care Home typically ranges from $25 to $40 per day per child, which translates to roughly $500 to $800 per month. Costs can vary based on the provider, the child's age, and hours needed. 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 reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the DPHHS website or your local Office of Public Assistance. Given the rural nature of Jordan, it's also worth inquiring directly with providers if they offer any sliding scale fees or sibling discounts.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Jordan, and what can I do to secure a spot for my infant or toddler?
Yes, waitlists are a common challenge in Jordan due to the very limited number of providers. For infant care, the issue is especially acute as FCCHs have strict ratios for children under 2 years old. It is strongly recommended to begin your search as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. Contact every licensed provider listed for Garfield County, get on their waitlists, and check in periodically. Also, network with other parents in the community through school events or local groups, as they may know of upcoming openings or unlicensed but trusted caregivers (like "family, friend, and neighbor" care) who are legally allowed to care for a limited number of children without a license.
What should I look for when visiting and vetting a potential in-home daycare provider in Jordan?
When vetting a Family Child Care Home in Jordan, first verify their current license status with Montana DPHHS. During a visit, observe the home's safety: check for covered outlets, secure gates for stairs, safe sleep areas for infants, and cleanliness. Ask about their daily schedule, discipline philosophy, emergency plans (including for severe weather or medical issues), and how they handle meals and naps. Inquire about their experience, training in CPR/First Aid, and background checks for all adults in the home. Given the isolation, ask about their transportation policies and backup plans if they become ill. Trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and interaction with the children, and always ask for and contact at least two references from current or former parents.
How does the rural location of Jordan impact childcare options, especially for parents with non-traditional work hours or who commute to nearby towns?
Jordan's extreme rurality significantly impacts childcare. Options are scarce, and providers often have strict, traditional hours (e.g., 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM). Finding care for evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts common in agriculture, healthcare, or oil field work is extremely difficult and may require a private nanny or a share-care arrangement with another family. For parents commuting to work in Miles City, Circle, or other towns (a 1-2 hour drive), coordinating drop-off and pick-up with a Jordan provider's schedule can be a major logistical hurdle. Some families explore the possibility of childcare in their destination town, but this adds substantial daily driving time for the child. This makes flexible, in-home care solutions and strong communication with your provider about your schedule essential in this community.