Non-Profit
In Park County finding reliable and affordable childcare has become one of the most pressing challenges for working families, and for the economy as a whole. Across the state, the cost of childcare far exceeds what most families can afford to pay. At the same time, underpaid staff are leaving the field, facilities are stretched thin, and local businesses are struggling to fill jobs when employees can’t find affordable care for their children.
The numbers paint a stark picture. According to a recent study reported by the Daily Inter Lake, Montana loses an estimated $232 million annually due to the ripple effects of childcare instability, including lost workforce productivity, employee turnover, and business disruptions. At the same time, Montana Free Press reports that nearly 60% of Montana residents live in a childcare desert, where licensed providers cannot meet the needs of working families.
In Park County this crisis is felt acutely. Local licensed childcare centers and several licensed in-home programs all play a critical role in caring for the community’s children. They provide safe, educational, and nurturing environments for children—but behind the scenes, they face an uphill battle.
The reality is that the true cost of providing childcare, wages, food, rent, insurance, educational materials, is much higher than what most families can afford to pay. Raising tuition to match these costs would make care inaccessible for many. Yet maintaining low tuition means that childcare centers often operate at a deficit, struggling to pay staff livable wages while keeping their doors open.
“We’re committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and care,” said Baily Goodwine, Board Chair of Elevate Montessori. “But we also know our teachers deserve to earn enough to live in the communities they serve. How do we strike a balance or find a new business model?”
Childcare is not just a personal issue; it’s an economic one. When families can’t find care, parents often have to reduce their hours or leave the workforce entirely. That means lost income, reduced productivity for local businesses, and long-term consequences for the local economy. As Montana Free Press puts it, "The broken childcare system is holding back Montana's workforce."
But solutions are within reach, if communities rally together. Supporting early childhood education is an investment: in the future, our children, families, and economic stability.
This July, supporters can donate to the three non-profit childcare centers through Park County Community Foundation’s Give A Hoot platform: Elevate Montessori School, Little People’s Learning Center, and Montessori Island School. The donations will help keep tuition reasonable while ensuring staff can earn fair wages and programs remain high-quality and sustainable.
Visit www.give-a-hoot.org/ through the month of July to donate.
Because investing in childcare today—means a stronger, more vibrant Park County tomorrow.