childcare

After hearing for months about issues facing Montana parents and businesses with childcare, Republicans shot down a proposal to craft a package of bills to address the issues.

Policymakers and researchers now fear that inequitable child care access threatens the sustainability and longevity of rural communities.

The Governor’s Office and Department of Public Health and Human Services announced Monday that the Child Care Worker Child Care Scholarship Program grant money would be available for workers at licensed, registered childcare facilities who meet certain requirements.

Montana lawmakers acknowledged there was significant work to do on workforce and childcare issues, as childcare is now costing Montanans 28% of their median household income.

If the state is successful in expanding its policy to child care facilities, it would become the second this year to add a religious exemption to its immunization requirements for younger kids.

Advocates gathered in Helena to celebrate a new state law that seeks to provide additional support for families who need help with those costs.

The measure would change zoning laws in Montana to allow some daycares to operate in residential areas without a license.

Heather McDowell writes, "Families have been asking the Legislature to do something to help improve childcare access and affordability for years. It is time for businesses to step up, too."

With a shortage of child care options in Oregon, state lawmakers want to put $100 million into a new program to increase capacity.