The Best Daycare Centers in Livingston, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Livingston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Livingston
The Goddard School of Bozeman
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Bozeman serves families throughout the region with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their curriculum incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning through play-based activities. 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. The program emphasizes character development and individualized learning plans, with regular parent communication through daily reports and portfolio assessments.
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Bright Horizons at Bozeman
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Bozeman provides high-quality early education with their World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, dedicated age-specific classrooms, and developmentally appropriate outdoor spaces. Their teaching staff includes certified early childhood educators who receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The program emphasizes social-emotional learning and school readiness skills, with comprehensive health and safety measures including strict cleaning protocols and nutritionally balanced meals. Parents receive regular updates through the MyBrightDay app with photos and developmental milestones.
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Little Tree Huggers Cooperative Preschool
Little Tree Huggers Cooperative
Little Tree Huggers offers a unique nature-based preschool program that serves families in the region with an outdoor-focused curriculum. Their approach combines Reggio Emilia principles with forest school methodology, allowing children to learn through exploration and interaction with natural environments. The program operates primarily outdoors in various natural settings around Bozeman, with indoor backup facilities for extreme weather. Teachers are certified in early childhood education with additional training in outdoor education and wilderness first aid. The curriculum emphasizes environmental stewardship, risk assessment skills, and holistic development through hands-on nature experiences. Parent involvement is central to their cooperative model, with families participating in classroom activities and program governance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Livingston, MT
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Livingston, Montana, and how can I verify a facility's license?
In Montana, all childcare facilities caring for four or more children must be licensed by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood Services Bureau. This includes family daycare homes and childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, and background checks. To verify a provider's license in the Livingston area, you can use the "Find Child Care" search tool on the Montana DPHHS website, which shows the facility's license status, any history of complaints, and inspection reports. You can also contact the local DPHHS licensing specialist for the region directly. It's highly recommended to only consider licensed providers to ensure your child's safety and quality of care.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in Livingston, and when should I start looking for infant care?
Due to limited capacity, especially for infants and toddlers, waitlists for quality daycare centers and licensed in-home providers in Livingston can be significant. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes longer for highly sought-after programs. For infant care, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists as soon as you know you are pregnant, or ideally, before your child is born. Many local parents recommend touring facilities and applying to multiple options to increase your chances of securing a spot when you need it.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Livingston, MT, and are there any local or state assistance programs?
The cost of childcare in Livingston varies by the child's age and type of care. On average, parents can expect to pay approximately $700 to $950 per month for full-time care at a licensed center for a preschool-aged child. Infant care is typically more expensive, often ranging from $850 to $1,100+ per month. In-home family daycare may be slightly less expensive. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families through the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship program, administered by the Montana DPHHS. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need. You can apply through the DPHHS website or contact the Park County Health Department for local guidance.
Are there any unique childcare options in Livingston that cater to families with non-traditional or agricultural work schedules?
Yes, Livingston's rural and agricultural setting means some providers offer flexible hours, though options are limited. A few licensed family daycare homes may offer early morning, evening, or occasional weekend care to accommodate shift workers, healthcare employees, or seasonal agricultural schedules. There is no large 24-hour center, so finding this flexibility requires calling providers directly to inquire. Additionally, some parents in the area utilize smaller, licensed "drop-in" or part-time programs or form nanny shares with other families to cover irregular hours. Networking through local Facebook groups like "Livingston, MT Community" can be a good way to find these niche providers.
What should I look for during a daycare tour specific to facilities in Livingston, and what local questions should I ask?
During a tour in Livingston, beyond standard checks for cleanliness and safety, ask specific local questions. Inquire about their outdoor play policy given Montana's variable weather—do they go outside daily in winter, and what is their sun/heat safety protocol in summer? Ask about their emergency preparedness for severe weather or wildfires, including evacuation plans. Given the local environment, ask if they incorporate any nature-based or outdoor learning. Also, ask about their staff retention rates, as low turnover indicates a stable environment. Finally, confirm their closure schedule—many local centers follow the Livingston School District calendar for major holidays and snow days, which is crucial for planning your own work schedule.