Employee-sponsored childcare grants bridge gaps for Montana childcare challenges

HELENA — The state’s chief economist says that in 2024, the state had enough child care spots for only about half of the kids who needed them overall, and for just one-third of infants who needed care.

A partnership between Zero to Five Montana and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has launched over $ 2 million in grants to help employers and the workforce with this challenge.

The employer-sponsored child care grant program is just one building block in helping bridge the gaps in Montana’s childcare challenges.

“It's very heartwarming to hear about what these different grantees have done with the funding,” Caitlin Jensen, Zero to Five Montana executive director, said.

Childcare shortages are a statewide issue, with nearly 52% of counties identified as childcare