Frequently Asked Questions
Below please find the most frequently asked questions for Family Services.
What are the eligibility rates for the Best Beginnings Scholarship Program? What is a co-pay?
Eligibility for the Best Beginnings Scholarship program is based on the gross monthly income and the number of members in a family. Families are eligible for some assistance if they make below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Please see the Sliding Fee Scale.
Families that are eligible for child care assistance through the Best Beginnings Scholarship are obligated to pay a portion of their children’s monthly child care costs. The percentage of the costs a family is responsible for is determined by where the family is on the federal Sliding Fee Scale.
Failure to pay the pre-determined co-payment amount will result in the loss of the family’s eligibility for child care assistance. Providers may set rates independent of the state district child care provider rates. A family is responsible for any amount over and above the state district child care rates and/or any additional fees assessed by the provider.
What are the deadlines for qualifying for the Best Beginnings Scholarship Program?
Best Beginnings Scholarship applications are accepted at any time. Applications can be accepted within 30 days of your need for child care. Your eligibility is approved for a set period of time and you are responsible for getting your scholarship re-certified periodically. Failure to re-certify your scholarship eligibility by the 10th of the month in which your scholarship expires may result in a gap in child care assistance.
How do I make a complaint against my child care provider?
Complaints about child care providers should be directed to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services Quality Assurance Division (QAD) at (406) 444-1742 or you may fill out a complaint form online at http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/qad/complaintprocedure/childdaycareform.shtml.
Can I have a family member or friend watch my child? Does this affect my scholarship eligibility?
Federal regulations guarantee the right of parental choice in selecting child care. As a result, parents may choose a friend or family member to provide child care and receive state payment. These individuals are known as Legally Unregistered Providers. These individuals must apply with Child Care Resources and their application date is their begin date. There are two situations in which a Legally Unregistered Provider can participate in the State of Montana child care assistance program.
In the Provider’s home (LUP) - The provider cares for the children in the provider’s home for two or fewer children from different families or all the children of one family. The provider receives the child care assistance payment from the State after the invoice is submitted to the Child Care Resource & Referral agency.
In the Child’s home (LUI) - The provider cares for children in their home. The parent receives the child care assistance payment from the State after the invoice is submitted to the Child Care Resource & Referral agency. The parent must pay their provider in accordance with applicable labor laws.
Why does it cost more for child care for my infant than it does for my preschooler?
Infant care is generally more expensive than preschooler care because of the reduced ratio allowed for caregiver to children and the additional time required for quality care for infants. More time is required to feed infants, change their diapers and spend time rocking and cuddling them one-on-one than for older children.
What are the regulations in Montana regarding medication given to children at child care?
Ideally, parents should administer all medications to their own children. However, because many children spend the majority of their waking hours in child care settings, it is in children’s best interest that child care providers occasionally give medications. To reduce the risk of harm to children and liability to providers, the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, Child Care Licensing Division revised regulations for the administration of medication in child day care centers, and group and family day care homes, effective in June 2006. That document can be viewed online at http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/earlychildhood/forms/nonfill-informs/theguideandprocessformedicationadministrationinachi.pdf
Can I get any tax credits to offset the costs of child care?
Families with children under the age of 17 may be able to get the Federal Child Tax Credit (CTC), which can be worth hundreds of dollars per child. The income limit for the CTC is much higher than for the Earned Income Credit (EIC). For more information go to http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p972.pdf.
If you qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC), you can receive an advance payment of up to $125 per month and still get a tax refund at the end of the year. Families on the waiting list for child care services are most likely eligible for EIC. The EIC advance payment can be used to assist with child care expenses while waiting to be served. The forms for EIC are available at Child Care Resources.
Will I lose my scholarship eligibility if I switch to a new child care provider?
If you currently receive Best Beginnings Scholarship assistance, it is approved because you have a child care service plan with your existing provider. If you wish to change to a new provider you must notify your current provider of the change. You must then notify CCR prior to or within one business day of the change. A new certification plan must be created with the new child care provider. Assistance will not be paid to the new provider until a new certification plan is completed.
Are there any options available for my school age children after school? Are there options available during the summer?
There are several high quality after school and summer programs such as YMCA and Campfire which can receive Best Beginning Scholarship payments. Contact Family Services at (406) 728-6446 or ccr@childcareresources.org for assistance locating these programs.
