How to start a daycare in Montana.
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) licenses child care centers in Montana. These are the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
Opening a child care center in Montana, step by step
Get help getting started
Your local SPARK Learning Lab or the state licensing team can help you get licensed.
Source: Child Care LicensingApply online in MAQCS
Send your center application online through the MAQCS system.
Source: Child Care Center InformationFill out the required forms
Upload the required forms in MAQCS. They include an activity schedule, emergency plans and a floor plan.
Source: Child Care Center InformationGet liability and fire insurance
Carry public liability insurance and fire insurance for your center.
Source: 52-2-723, MCA. Requirements for licensureComplete FBI background checks
Child Care Licensing needs certain forms to complete an FBI background check.
Source: Child Care LicensingPass the pre-inspection
Your center is inspected before you start caring for children.
Source: Providing Child Care in MontanaGet your license
State law requires a license before you run a day-care center.
Source: 52-2-721, MCA. License required -- registration required -- term of license or registration certificate
At a glance
- Who licenses centers
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Child Care Licensing Program. Licenses child care centers, as state law requires.Source: Become a Child Care Provider
- Child care center
- 16 or more children, in a place outside a homeSource: Child Care Licensing
- Inspections
- Licensing staff every year, plus health and fire officials once a yearSource: Become a Child Care Provider
- License length
- Up to 3 yearsSource: 52-2-721, MCA. License required -- registration required -- term of license or registration certificate
- Staff
- Enough staff to supervise the children, as set by ruleSource: 52-2-723, MCA. Requirements for licensure
- Help from the state
- The department must help applicants meet the minimum rulesSource: 52-2-723, MCA. Requirements for licensure
Good to know
- Before-school, after-school, drop-in and preschool programs do not need a license.Source: Become a Child Care Provider
- Tribal members living on a reservation apply through their tribal government.Source: 52-2-722, MCA. Application for a license or registration certificate
Run a program in Montana? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a home daycare in Montana
The kinds of home daycare the state allows, and the steps.
- Montana licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Montana
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Montana
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a daycare in Montana?
The first step: Get help getting started. All 7 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who licenses child care centers in Montana?
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Child Care Licensing Program. Licenses child care centers, as state law requires.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
Questions about childcare in Montana?
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