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Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship

A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship program.

What is the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship?

The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (BBS) helps Montana families afford quality child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in job training programs. This program provides financial help to families earning less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Families pay a small amount based on their income, and the state pays the rest directly to your child care provider. The program works with licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and even Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers.

How do I apply for the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship?

There are 2 main ways to apply:

  1. Apply Online: This is the best option! Your application goes directly to the child care agency in your county
  2. Print and Submit: Download the Best Beginnings Application, fill it out, and upload, email, or fax it to your local child care agency

You can also get help by:

  • Calling your local Child Care Agency for assistance with your application
  • Western Montana (Missoula area): 406-728-6446
  • For other counties: Find your local Child Care Agency contact information

How long does it take to receive funds from the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship?

After you submit your complete application, someone from your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency will contact you by mail or phone. The exact timeline varies by county, but agencies work to process applications as quickly as possible. Once approved, the state pays your child care provider directly, and you only pay your small co-payment to the provider. You don't receive cash - the program pays your child care costs directly.

What do the application steps look like?

Step 1: Check if you might qualify using the Co-Payment Calculator to see your estimated co-payment

Step 2: Gather all required documents (see documentation section below)

Step 3: Apply online at app.mt.gov/ccubs OR print and complete the paper application

Step 4: Submit your application with all required documents

Step 5: Wait to be contacted by your local Child Care Agency (they will call or mail you)

Step 6: If approved, choose a licensed child care provider that accepts Best Beginnings

Step 7: Start paying your co-payment directly to your provider while the state pays the rest

Step 8: Complete re-certification when required to continue receiving benefits

What documentation is required when I fill out my application?

Child's Information (required for all applications)

  • Birth certificate or hospital record
  • Social Security card
  • Immunization records
  • Current physical exam results

Parent/Guardian Information (required for all applications)

  • Social Security cards for all adults in household
  • Driver's license or state ID

Income Verification (provide what applies to your family)

  • Recent pay stubs from all jobs
  • Tax returns (most recent year)
  • W-2 forms
  • Self-employment records
  • Unemployment benefits statements
  • Social Security benefits documentation
  • TANF (Temporary Assistance) documentation
  • Child support records

Work/School/Training Verification (provide what applies to your situation)

  • Work schedule from employer (only if working)
  • School enrollment and schedule verification (only if attending school)
  • Job training program documentation (only if in training)
  • Teen parent high school enrollment (only if teen parent)

Housing/Residency Verification (required for all applications)

  • Recent utility bills
  • Lease agreement or mortgage statement
  • Mail with current address

Special Circumstances (only if applicable)

  • TANF Family Investment Agreement documentation
  • Child support cooperation records or exemption documentation
  • Tribal CCDF eligibility documentation (for Tribal families)
  • Special needs documentation (for additional support)

Common FAQ's

1. How much will I have to pay? You pay a co-payment based on your family income using a sliding fee scale. Families earning less can pay as little as a few dollars per week, while families with higher incomes (but still under 185% of poverty level) pay more.

2. What work requirements do I need to meet? Single parents must work at least 60 hours per month. Two-parent families must work at least 120 hours per month combined. Parents in school or job training full-time don't need to meet work requirements. Teen parents must attend high school.

3. What types of child care can I use? Licensed child care centers, licensed family child care homes, and Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers who meet state requirements.

4. Can I get help if I'm on TANF? Yes! TANF families are eligible while participating in their Family Investment Agreement. Contact your Child Care Agency for help.

5. What if I need to make changes to my application? Contact your local Child Care Agency right away if your income, work schedule, or family situation changes. You'll need to update your information to keep receiving benefits.

Who do I contact about my application status?

Your contact depends on which county you live in:

Western Montana (Missoula Area):

Child Care Resources Phone: 406-728-6446 or 800-728-6446

Email: ccr@childcareresources.org

Address: 2409 Dearborn Ave., Suite L, Missoula, MT 59801

Counties Served: Beaverhead, Flathead, Gallatin, Lake, Lewis & Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow

Great Falls Area:

Family Connections Phone: 406-761-6010 or 800-696-4503

Email: fcinfo@fc406.org

Address: 202 2nd Ave S, Suite 201, Great Falls, MT 59405

Counties Served: Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Glacier, Judith Basin, Petroleum, Pondera, Teton, Toole

Billings Area:

District 7 HRDC Phone: 406-247-4732 or 800-443-1411

Address: 7 North 31st Street, PO Box 2016, Billings, MT 59103-2016

Counties Served: Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Yellowstone

Bozeman Area:

Child Care Connections Phone: 406-587-7786 or 800-962-0418

Address: 2415 W. Main St. Suite 1, Bozeman, MT 59718

Counties Served: Broadwater, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, Meagher, Park

For General Program Questions:

Montana DPHHS Early Childhood Services Bureau Phone: 406-444-3928

Contact: Jody Lehman

Website: DPHHS.mt.gov

Find All County Agencies: Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies