$31M in federal funding available to Montana child-care providers

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced this week that $31 million in federal funding is now available to Montana child-care providers via an online application.

The funding is available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Based on the recommendations from Montana’s ARPA Health Advisory Commission, Gov. Greg Gianforte devoted $31 million to increase access to quality child care services for Montana families, according to a press release from the state health department. The federal money aims to address immediate challenges facing the child-care industry due to Covid-19.

Registered and licensed child-care providers can apply for the funding online by going to childcare.mt.gov.

Grant funds can be used for rent, mortgage and utilities, payroll and benefits, health and safety measures, facility maintenance and minor improvements, personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, goods to continue child care, such as diapering supplies and other care materials.

Mental health support for children and providers can be requested through the grant application process.

To be eligible, child care providers must be licensed or registered with DPHHS at the time they submit an application. Those eligible include child-care centers, family and group child-care providers.

DPHHS has set up a call center at 844-406-2772 to answer questions and provide technical assistance to support providers in completing the applications.

For more information about the child care stabilization funding and all ARPA funding allocated to DPHHS, go to arpa.mt.gov.