The Best Daycare Centers in Yellowstone National Park, WY
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Yellowstone National Park. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Theological Institute Early Learning Center
Yellowstone Theological Institute
Located just outside Yellowstone's West Entrance, this faith-based early learning center serves park employees and visitors with a comprehensive developmental curriculum. Features small class sizes with certified early childhood educators, age-appropriate learning environments, and a nature-inspired curriculum that incorporates Yellowstone's unique ecosystem. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and offers flexible scheduling for park staff working varied shifts. Safety protocols include secure facility access and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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West Yellowstone Public Library Early Childhood Center
West Yellowstone Public Library District
This library-based early childhood center provides high-quality preschool and early learning programs specifically designed for the Yellowstone community. Offers play-based learning with strong emphasis on literacy development, STEM activities, and social-emotional learning. Certified early childhood specialists lead small group instruction with focus on kindergarten readiness. The center partners with Yellowstone National Park educational programs and provides resources for seasonal park employees. Features modern facilities with dedicated learning spaces and extensive educational materials.
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Gardiner Early Childhood Center
Gardiner School District
Serving the North Entrance community of Yellowstone National Park, this center provides comprehensive childcare services for park employees and local residents. Features a developmentally appropriate curriculum with focus on outdoor education and nature exploration. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in environmental education. The center offers nutritious meal programs, secure facilities with controlled access, and flexible hours accommodating park employee schedules. Strong emphasis on safety with regular emergency drills and comprehensive health protocols.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Yellowstone National Park, WY
Are there any licensed daycare centers or in-home providers actually located within Yellowstone National Park itself?
No, there are no licensed daycare centers or in-home childcare providers operating within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park. The park is a federally protected area managed by the National Park Service, and its infrastructure is focused on visitor services, conservation, and employee housing, not commercial childcare. Parents living and working in the park—typically seasonal or year-round National Park Service employees, concessionaire staff (like Xanterra or Delaware North), or researchers—must look for childcare in the gateway communities surrounding the park. The closest options are in towns like Gardiner and Cooke City, Montana (north), West Yellowstone, Montana (west), or Cody, Wyoming (east).
What are the main options for childcare for employees working in Yellowstone, and how do I navigate the state lines since the park is in Wyoming but surrounded by Montana and Idaho?
Your childcare options are entirely in the gateway towns in Montana and Idaho, as there is no residential childcare in the Wyoming portion of the park. This means you will be dealing with the licensing regulations and resources of Montana or Idaho, not Wyoming. For example, if you live in West Yellowstone, MT, you would use Montana's Department of Public Health and Human Services to find licensed providers. Key resources include the "Child Care Resources" agencies for the respective states. It's crucial to start your search early, as these are small, remote communities with very limited slots. Many employees rely on informal, unlicensed babysitting networks with other park families, which is common but means parents must conduct their own vetting.
Given the remote location, are there long waitlists for daycare in the communities near Yellowstone, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are extremely common and can be very long, often several months to over a year, due to the severe shortage of licensed childcare in small gateway towns. Your first step should be to contact providers in your intended community of residence (e.g., Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cody) as soon as you accept a job offer—even before you arrive. Be prepared to put down a deposit to hold a spot. Networking is essential; connect with your future employer's HR department, as they may have a list of known providers or can connect you with other employee parents. Joining local community Facebook groups (e.g., "West Yellowstone Community" or "Gardiner, MT Living") can also help you find openings or recommended in-home caregivers.
How does the seasonal nature of employment in Yellowstone affect childcare availability and arrangements?
The seasonal boom (roughly May-September) creates a massive surge in demand for childcare from hundreds of seasonal employees, far outstripping the year-round capacity of local providers. Many licensed home providers may not offer short-term seasonal contracts. This often forces seasonal workers to get creative: forming childcare co-ops with other employees, working split shifts with a partner, or hiring a nanny/babysitter specifically for the season. Some larger concessionaire companies have, in the past, attempted to facilitate group childcare solutions for staff, but this is not guaranteed. It is critical to clarify the duration of care needed when contacting providers and be upfront about your seasonal status.
What are the typical costs for childcare in the gateway towns around Yellowstone, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
Costs are generally high relative to local wages due to limited supply and high demand. For a licensed center or home in towns like Cody or West Yellowstone, you might expect to pay $800-$1,200+ per month for full-time infant/toddler care. Since you will likely be using a provider in Montana or Idaho, you must look into those states' assistance programs. In Montana, you may qualify for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (income-based). Your eligibility depends on your state of residence and income. Park employees should also check if their specific employer (e.g., Xanterra, Delaware North, NPS) offers any Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options or referral assistance. Budgeting for childcare as a major expense is essential when considering employment in the region.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Yellowstone National Park: