The Best Daycare Centers in Simms, MT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Simms. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Simms
The Learning Center at Benefis Health System
Benefis Health System
The Learning Center at Benefis Health System is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving the Great Falls area, which includes Simms residents. This NAEYC-accredited center offers a comprehensive educational curriculum focused on early childhood development with qualified teachers holding early childhood education degrees. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, secure access controls, and health screening protocols. Their program emphasizes literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning through play-based and structured educational approaches. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and provides nutritious meals prepared in their on-site kitchen.
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Discovery Kidzone Learning Center
Discovery Kidzone
Discovery Kidzone Learning Center is a well-established childcare provider serving the Great Falls metropolitan area, including families from Simms. The center implements a research-based curriculum that combines Montessori principles with traditional early education methods. Staff members are CPR and First Aid certified with ongoing professional development requirements. The facility features secure entry systems, outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups, and classroom environments rich with educational materials. Their program includes music enrichment, physical education, and technology integration appropriate for young learners, with strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness.
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Tiny Tots Daycare & Preschool
Tiny Tots Daycare
Tiny Tots Daycare & Preschool in Cascade serves the rural communities including Simms with a focus on personalized care and early childhood development. This licensed facility offers a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Montana Early Learning Standards. The center features small class sizes with experienced teachers who create individualized learning plans for each child. Safety protocols include secured facilities, regular safety drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff. The program emphasizes outdoor learning experiences, creative arts, and developing foundational literacy and math skills through hands-on activities in a nurturing home-like environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Simms, MT
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Simms, MT, and how do I find them?
In Simms and the surrounding Sun River Valley area, licensed childcare primarily comes in two forms: licensed family childcare homes and registered or license-exempt providers (often family, friend, and neighbor care). Due to Simms' small, rural nature, there are no large daycare centers. The best way to find licensed providers is through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Early Childhood Services Bureau. They maintain an online "Provider Search" tool where you can filter by location (using Simms or Cascade County). Additionally, local resources like the Great Falls Early Childhood Coalition may have connections, and checking community boards at the Simms Post Office or Simms School can be helpful. Word-of-mouth is extremely valuable in this tight-knit community.
What is the typical cost for full-time childcare in Simms, and are there any financial assistance programs for local families?
In Simms, costs for full-time care in a licensed family home typically range from $600 to $900 per month per child, though prices can vary based on the provider's experience, hours, and services like meals. This is generally lower than in larger Montana cities like Great Falls. For financial assistance, Montana offers the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBCCS) program, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by DPHHS, and the scholarship can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Local providers often work with families utilizing this scholarship. It's also worth inquiring directly with providers about potential sibling discounts, which are common in small communities.
How long are waitlists for childcare in Simms, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists for the limited number of licensed providers in Simms can be significant, often several months to over a year, especially for infant care. This is a common challenge in rural Montana. To improve your chances, start your search as early as possible—ideally during pregnancy. Contact every licensed provider in Simms and nearby towns like Sun River or Fort Shaw. Get on multiple waitlists and maintain communication with providers every few months. Be flexible with your start date if possible. Also, explore the option of a registered in-home provider (like a trusted neighbor), which may have more immediate availability but requires you to ensure they complete the state's background check and registration process.
What are Montana's key licensing requirements for childcare providers that I should verify when choosing care in Simms?
Montana has specific rules for licensed childcare. Key requirements you should confirm include: 1) **Current License:** The provider must have a valid license from DPHHS posted visibly. 2) **Staff-to-Child Ratios:** For family homes, this is often 1:6 with no more than two children under 2 years old. 3) **Background Checks:** All adults in the home must have cleared comprehensive criminal background and child protective services checks. 4) **Health and Safety Training:** Providers must have training in CPR, First Aid, and Safe Sleep for infants. 5) **Home Safety Inspection:** The home must pass an initial and annual inspection for safety hazards. You can ask to see the license and inspection report. The state also conducts unannounced visits to ensure compliance.
Are there part-time, drop-in, or after-school childcare options available for school-age children in Simms?
Options for part-time or school-age care in Simms are very limited. Simms School may offer some after-school programs or activities, but dedicated, consistent childcare for school-age children is often handled through the same network of licensed family homes. Some providers may offer before/after-school care with transportation to/from Simms School, but this is not guaranteed and must be arranged privately. For occasional drop-in care, it is exceptionally rare in a town of this size. Your best bet is to network with other parents for shared care arrangements or seek a provider who is willing to create a custom part-time schedule, though this may come at a premium rate. Planning well in advance is crucial.
Childcare Insights for Simms
Finding the right childcare arrangement is one of the most important decisions for any family, and for parents in Simms, Montana, seeking part-time daycare, the search often feels deeply personal and locally focused. You’re not just looking for a service; you’re looking for a supportive extension of your family within our close-knit community. The phrase "part time daycare near me" represents a very practical need for flexibility, whether it’s for work shifts at local agricultural businesses, part-time employment in Great Falls, or simply to have a few dedicated hours for errands and appointments. In our rural setting, options may feel limited compared to larger cities, but this often leads to more personalized, home-based care that can be a wonderful fit for many families.
When beginning your search in the Simms area, it’s helpful to think beyond just formal daycare centers. Given our community's size, many excellent part-time childcare options operate as registered or license-exempt family daycare homes. These smaller settings can offer the flexible, part-time schedules that are so crucial, with providers often willing to accommodate the unique rhythms of farming families or those with variable work hours. A great first step is to connect with local networks. The Sun River Valley community board at the post office, word-of-mouth recommendations at the Simms Café, or inquiries at the Simms School can yield leads that you won’t find through a simple online search. Building these local connections is key.
Visiting any potential childcare provider is essential. In a small town, you likely already share some connections, which can provide invaluable peace of mind. During a visit, observe not just the safety and cleanliness of the environment, but also the feel of the place. Does the provider understand the values of our rural Montana lifestyle? Is there space for kids to play outside and engage with the natural world that surrounds us? For part-time care, clear communication about scheduling is paramount. Be upfront about your needed days and hours—whether it’s consistent mornings each week or more variable care. Discuss policies for sick days, holidays, and what happens on those snowy winter days when roads might be challenging, a very real consideration here in Cascade County.
Remember that licensing and regulations still apply. You can verify a provider’s status or get a list of licensed options through Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services, which offers resources online and by phone. Don’t hesitate to ask for references from other Simms or Sun River Valley parents; their experiences will give you the clearest picture. Finding part-time daycare here is about integrating a caring partner into your child’s life who understands the pace and spirit of our area. With patience and local networking, you can find a nurturing spot where your child can thrive for those few precious hours, giving you the support you need while keeping your family rooted in the community we all call home.