The Best Daycare Centers in Shepherd, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Shepherd. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Shepherd
KinderCare Learning Center at Billings - Shiloh
KinderCare Education LLC
KinderCare at Shiloh Road is a highly-regarded center serving the Shepherd area with a research-based curriculum focused on early literacy, math, and social-emotional development. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, state-licensed educators with CPR and First Aid certification, and secure facilities with keypad entry. Their Balanced Learning® approach combines structured activities with play-based learning, and they offer nutritious meals and snacks. Parents praise the consistent communication and individualized attention given to each child's developmental milestones.
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The Goddard School of Billings
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Billings provides premium early childhood education to families in Shepherd and surrounding areas through their F.L.E.X.® Learning Program, which emphasizes play-based learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities. The school features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education degrees, secure classrooms with observation windows, and age-appropriate outdoor play spaces. Their focus on developmental assessments and parent involvement through daily reports and conferences has earned them high parent satisfaction and a reputation for excellence in safety and curriculum quality.
Daycare Services:
Billings YMCA Child Development Center
YMCA of Billings
The Billings YMCA Child Development Center offers a holistic approach to childcare, serving Shepherd families with programs that integrate physical activity, academic readiness, and character development. Their curriculum aligns with Montana Early Learning Standards and includes literacy-rich environments, hands-on learning centers, and nutritious meal programs. The center boasts low child-to-staff ratios, background-checked teachers with ongoing training, and secure facilities with monitored access. Parents value the strong sense of community, inclusive environment, and emphasis on social skills and healthy habits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Shepherd, MT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Shepherd, MT, and are there any local resources to help with affordability?
In Shepherd and the surrounding Yellowstone County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $700 to $900 per month, while care for a toddler or preschooler is generally between $600 and $800 per month. These costs can vary based on the provider's licensing type, curriculum, and facility amenities. To help with affordability, Montana offers the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBCS) program for eligible families, which is administered through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Additionally, local providers may offer sibling discounts. It's advisable to contact the Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency for Region 5, which serves Yellowstone County, for the most current information on costs and financial assistance.
How can I verify if a daycare provider in Shepherd is properly licensed and what are Montana's key regulations for childcare?
All licensed childcare providers in Montana are regulated by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Early Childhood Services Bureau. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the online "Provider Search" tool on the DPHHS website. Key state regulations include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for preschoolers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and annual facility inspections. In a smaller community like Shepherd, many providers are licensed family home providers, caring for a smaller number of children in a residential setting, which must also meet these state standards.
What is the availability of daycare like in Shepherd, and should I expect to join a waitlist?
Shepherd, being a smaller community, has limited daycare options compared to larger cities like nearby Billings. Availability is often tight, especially for infant care, which has the strictest staff-to-child ratios. It is very common for reputable licensed family homes and centers in the area to have waitlists, which can sometimes be several months long. Parents are strongly encouraged to begin their search and make inquiries as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy or several months before care is needed. Networking with other local parents through community groups or social media can also provide leads on potential openings with smaller, in-home providers who may not advertise widely.
Are there any childcare options in Shepherd that offer preschool or early learning programs, or will I need to commute to Billings?
Several licensed childcare providers in Shepherd integrate early learning and preschool preparedness into their daily programs. These are often offered within licensed family childcare homes or smaller centers, focusing on foundational skills through play-based learning. However, for specialized preschool programs with a more structured curriculum, parents may look at options in nearby Billings, which is about a 15-20 minute commute. Some Shepherd providers may also participate in Montana's STARS to Quality program, a voluntary quality rating system that helps identify programs with strong early learning environments. It's best to ask individual providers about their educational philosophy and daily schedule.
What should I look for and ask about during a daycare tour in a small town like Shepherd?
When touring a daycare in Shepherd, beyond general cleanliness and safety, ask specific questions tailored to a smaller community setting. Inquire about the provider's backup plan for emergencies or illness, as options for substitute caregivers are more limited. Ask about their connection to the local community, such as outings to the park or library. Confirm their policies on communication with parents and how they handle the mixed-age groups common in family homes. It's also crucial to understand their closure schedule, as local events or weather (like severe winter storms) can impact operations. Finally, trust your instincts about the caregiver's warmth and engagement with the children, as personal relationships are paramount in a close-knit setting.