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Childcare Scholarships

What is the Best Beginnings Scholarship Program?

Best Beginnings Childcare Scholarships are childcare payment awards to help Montana’s working families pay for childcare.

Do I pay any childcare costs to my provider?

Everyone pays a co-payment based on a sliding fee scale according to their family size and gross household income. Best Beginnings pays the provider the balance for childcare used during that month, up to the State’s maximum provider rate.

Is the co-payment the only cost?

The State childcare provider rate varies according to the type of childcare, the type of facility and the location. Some providers charge more than the State rate or have additional fees. Families are responsible for any fees over and above the State provider rates.

How is my childcare provider chosen?

You choose your own Licensed or Registered childcare provider. These providers meet Montana’s basic regulations regarding child development, health and safety. Generally, your childcare provider receives a direct payment from the State.

Can I choose a family member or friend as my provider?

Family members and friends are often eligible to be paid as “Legally Unregistered” childcare providers through the Best Beginnings Scholarship program. If your provider is not registered or licensed, they need to complete a simple application and pass child & adult protective service and criminal background checks. Family Connections can help with the process. (See Legally Unregistered Provider Information under this site’s Referral Program or Becoming a Provider pages.)

How do I find out if my family can participate?

It’s simple! Start with the questions below under the “Do I Qualify?” heading. Then, if you meet the initial requirements, contact Family Connections for an application.

Do I Qualify for the Best Beginnings Scholarship?

Single Parent Household:

Are you working at least 15 hours a week?
If you are going to school full-time, you must be working at least 10 hours a week.

Two-Parent Household:

Are you working a combined 120 hours a month?
If one parent is attending school, or if both parents are attending school, you still must work a combined total of 120 hours a month.

If you meet these qualifications, please fill out this form, or stop by the Family Connections office for a Best Beginnings Scholarship application.

After filling out your application please return it with the following
additional paperwork:

1. Copies of birth certificates and social security cards of all family
   members listed on the application.
   
   
2. Last three most current pay stubs.
   
   
3. Class schedule if attending school.
   
   
4. Child support documentation (even if you are not receiving any CS payments)

Fill out this form and we’ll contact you. Or, call us at 406-761-6010 for an application.

If you do not meet these qualifications, you may qualify for the Safe Place Scholarship.

Family Connections is proud to offer our Safe Place Scholarship Program for our families not currently eligible for the Best Beginnings Scholarship program.

A Safe Place Scholarship is a one time 3 month payment ($300.00 for the first month, $200.00 the second month and $100.00 for the third month) paid to your licensed provider.

The Family Connections staff will work one on one with you on your budget and available community resources.

Our hope at Family Connections is that with this one time scholarship, budgeting information and use of any employer benefits, you will be able to remain independent from assistance.

Please fill out a Safe Place Scholarship Application today.

Safe Place Scholarships will be awarded each quarter and families will be contacted when they receive a Safe Place Scholarship.

Call Family Connections at 406-761-6010 for more information.

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