Child care scholarships available for eligible Montana families
Last month, Governor Bullock announced an additional $50 million to support child care and Montana families stating that, “… a healthy workforce and healthy economy go hand in hand.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for Montana’s families working to balance professional responsibilities, child care, and changes to schooling. There is widespread uncertainty about options for school-age children because of the pandemic. Some families include children or family member with special needs such as health and safety needs, or a lack of child care in their community, which cause them to need in-home child care. This may also include foster and kinship families with unique in-home needs.
Family Scholarship Opportunity – Now Available
A scholarship is available to help parents offset the costs of in-home care for children aged 0-18 who live in a household with a special circumstance.
The scholarship offers a flat award of $4,000 per eligible family, nothing more and nothing less. This award is to be used for in-home care expenses or in another caretaker’s home, such as that of a family member, friend, or neighbor who is providing unregulated care for the child(ren).
This scholarship is administered by Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, like Child Care Connections, and must be awarded and spent by December 31st, 2020. Available on a first come first serve basis. Find additional information at www.cccmontana.org/WhatsNew/Post/Family-Relief. •