Best Beginnings Childcare Scholarship Application for Families

Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship – Montana (Overview)

Download Application Form / Apply Online

The Best Beginnings program is Montana’s child care scholarship system that helps families pay for licensed or registered child care. It’s designed to make early childhood programs more affordable so parents can work, go to school, or participate in approved training programs.

Who It Helps

Families who:

Meet income eligibility based on household size

Use licensed or registered child care providers

Have parents/guardians who are working, attending school, or participating in job training

How It Works

The state pays a portion of the child care cost directly to the provider.

Families pay a copayment based on income and household size.

Copays are set monthly and go directly to the provider, not the state.

Providers receive the rest of the reimbursement rate from the state.

What Families Need to Know

They must apply through Family Connections (or their regional CCR&R).

They must report changes in income, employment, school, or household.

Scholarships typically last 12 months, with redetermination required.

Why It Matters

Best Beginnings helps:

Families stay employed or in school

Children stay in stable, high-quality programs

Programs receive consistent payment support