Montana childcare licensing requirements.
Ratios, group sizes, certifications, and drills for Montana — per DPHHS Child Care Licensing Rules (ARM Title 37, Chapter 95). Bloomily tracks every one of them live, so the paperwork is ready before anyone asks.
Staff-to-child ratios in Montana
| Age group | Ratio | Max group size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 | 12 |
| Young Toddlers (12-24 months) | 1:6 | 12 |
| Older Toddlers (24-36 months) | 1:8 | 16 |
| Preschool (3-5 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:20 | 40 |
Per DPHHS Child Care Licensing Rules (ARM Title 37, Chapter 95). Ratios in Bloomily are computed live from real check-ins against these limits.
Required certifications
Montana requires minimum 16 clock hours annual professional development
Renews every 12 months
Montana DPHHS child abuse and neglect registry check required
Renews every 60 months
Montana Department of Justice criminal background check and FBI fingerprint check required
Renews every 60 months
Director qualifications per ARM 37.95.162 including education and experience requirements
Pediatric first aid certification required
Renews every 24 months
Food safety training for staff preparing food
Renews every 36 months
Lead caregiver qualifications per ARM 37.95.166
California mandated reporter training for child abuse
Montana mandatory reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect
Renews every 24 months
Initial orientation training within first 90 days of employment
Infant and child CPR certification required for all caregivers
Renews every 24 months
Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers
Renews every 60 months
Drill requirements
| Drill | Frequency | Required |
|---|---|---|
| fire | monthly | Yes |
| other | semi_annually | Yes |
Montana DPHHS Pre-Inspection Checklist
- Current DPHHS license posted and visible
- License capacity and age groups displayed
- Liability insurance current and on file
- Parent handbook available with policies
- Attendance records maintained daily
- Incident/accident reports documented
- Complaint procedures posted
- Emergency procedures posted in each room
- Operating hours posted
- Fee schedule available to parents
- All staff have current background checks (MT and FBI)
- Child abuse/neglect registry checks completed
Run a Montana program? Keep it compliant without the binder.
Ratios computed live from real check-ins, certifications flagged before they lapse, and inspection-ready reports one click away.