Finding Child Care Before the First Steps

WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA TALSMA AND ROSE HEIDER | PHOTO ADP STUDIO

Experiencing firsts is one of the many joys of being a parent, from our little one’s first smile to their first steps, and then their very first word. Milestones are amazing and as parents we cherish these moments as our child grows. But one thing many parenting classes or books don’t talk about is when to start looking for child care.

It is a well-known fact that Montana is facing a severe shortage of safe, quality child care. A recent study by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry shows that licensed child care meets less than half of the need in Montana. When it comes to looking for child care, waitlists are often long and families may not get their first choice. In many cases, families looking for infant care can expect to be on a waitlist for a year or more.

Knowing this, you may be wondering when and how to start looking for child care. In general, it’s best to start planning for child care when you start thinking about having a child, or find out you’re expecting. Here are a few questions to help you get started:

» Do all parents/caregivers in the household plan to work, or will someone watch the baby part- or full-time?

» How long do you plan to take family leave?

» Can you tell the difference between legally operating and illegally operating child care?

» What quality care indicators are important to your family?

» What type of child care setting do you prefer?

» Where would you like your child care to be located?

Once you understand your family’s unique child care needs and preferences, you’re ready to begin your search. Places to start looking include:

» Contacting your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, like Child Care Connections.

» Joining a safe online group where you can connect with providers, nannies and legally operating early childhood educators, like Child Care Connections’ Child Care Share Facebook groups.

As you start your search, it’s important to note the costs of securing care. There are two main costs that often catch parents off guard: waitlist fees and deposits to hold a spot. Waitlist fees tend to range from $50-$200 and can quickly add up when joining several lists. Once you’re off a waitlist, you’ll most likely be asked to make a deposit to hold the spot for your child until they are ready to attend care. Deposits can be minimal or cost as much as an entire month of care. To help you know what to expect, it’s a good idea to ask about the child care’s deposit requirements when you get on their waitlist.

The takeaway is the earlier you can start looking for child care, the better. However, if you’re reading this over an eight-month pregnant belly, know that it’s not too late. Simply start by following the recommended steps above and know that you’re not alone in your search. Child Care Connections can help you. And, if you find the cost of child care, waitlist fees or deposits are a barrier to pursuing safe, quality care for your child, you may be eligible for help with these costs.

Visit Child Care Connections at www.cccmontana.org for a child care referral list, resources on picking the right child care program for your family, or more information on scholarships.

Samantha Talsma is an Outreach Coordinator and Rose Heider is the Development and Communications Coordinator at Child Care Connections. Child Care Connections is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit advocating for the well-being and quality care of children in Gallatin, Lewis & Clark, Park, Meagher, Jefferson and Broadwater Counties. Learn more at cccmontana.org or by calling 406-587-7786.