It is highly recommended for those aspiring daycare providers as well as the staff to have a license prior to have a career in the field of childcare. Thus, every state of America such as Montana has its own licensing standard requirement.
Each job title or position in a daycare center has different work qualifications or requirements. Hence, it is important to review the state’s standard licensing requirements to know of these. Daycare providers and staff shall satisfy the following requirements:
- They should be able to exhibit that they are physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of carrying out the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
- They should be free from communicable disease.
- They should be immunized in compliance with the state’s requirement.
- They should be able to show that they are of good moral character.
In addition to the general requirements, daycare providers and staff shall complete the course and shall have direct instruction, such as practical and demonstrated applications of CPR methods, which is taught by instructors from accredited individuals. The educational requirements are being discussed in the succeeding sections.
Classes offered through the State
The state of Montana offers the same classes and degrees in childcare in different universities and colleges. Those who want to have careers in the field of daycare or childcare education can take up degrees on childhood education, childhood development, or childcare management. Furthermore, those who took up a different course can have the chance to work in the daycare or childcare industry in the state of Montana as the state do sometimes credit or consider several courses which are closely related to childhood education given that the subject credits are equivalent.
Classes such as Child Care Laws, Child Growth and Development, Family and Community Relations, First Aid and CPR, Nutrition and Health, Psychology, and Small Business Management are the most common classes for a childcare degree. in addition, basic education classes such as English, Mathematics, Sociology and others should also be taken up.
Certifications Given for Completed Classes
Certificates or credentials like CDA, CCP, and NAC are the most common certificates and credentials awarded by the state of Montana to daycare providers and staff. The said certificates are only given to those persons who have finished and accomplished the required coursework, completed the required credit hours, and acquired the minimum working experience. Thus, the CPR cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) and First Aid trainings are compulsory in all the state of America.
The state of Montana may not have a certification or credential that is limited only to their state. The different departments of the state which is consigned to the wellbeing of the children guarantees and remains to develop the quality of both residential and foster care for children and youth by endowing the abilities of the people responsible for everyday nurturing, care, and discipline of children either in residential facilities or foster home care. Several trainings are offered by the state and they are usually free of charge.
The CDA credential or Child Development Associate is given to daycare providers who have completed secondary education or who holds a GED certification with 480 working hours and 120 hours for formal education with children in the last five years. On the other hand, CCP or Certified Childcare Professional is given to those daycare providers are intended for those daycare teachers who did not finish their college degree or taken up a different course.
The NAC or the National Administrator Credential is awarded by the state to aspiring daycare managers and directors. The credential focuses more on the management of the organization as well as the administration, site maintenance, and planning and development of childcare programs.
Cost of the Classes
The cost of classes for childcare degrees and courses can range from $2,000 to $20,000 per year in the universities and colleges in the state of Montana. Factors such as type of school (whether public or private, vocational or non-vocational), location of the school, and the degree you are currently enrolled affects the rate or cost of tuition fees.
Required Classes that Day Care Providers Should Take
The classes offered by the state of are the same classes that daycare providers should take. However, as stated earlier, directly related courses to childcare can be accepted by the state. Working experience and credit hours should also In addition to the degrees, working experience and credit hours should also get through the requirement of the state.
For Daycare Directors/Providers:
Each daycare facility shall have a childcare director or provider that does not age less than 21 years old. In addition, the daycare provider should have a bachelor’s degree in related field plus one year experience in child day care or child development associate (CDA) credential or three years of experience in a licensed or registered day care facility. If in any circumstances the director acts as a caregiver or conducts in-service training, the director must meet the qualifications of a primary caregiver. Furthermore, the center director should also acquire 15 hours of approved education and/or training annually.
For Primary Caregivers:
Primary caregivers should age 18 years old and above and shall have sufficient language skills to communicate with children and adults as well as they have undergo one of the job orientation and shall receive a minimum of at least eight (8) hours of document continuing education yearly provided by the state. Thus, the primary caregiver shall satisfy the following requirements:
- Two years of experience in an early childhood program such as a day care center, a family or group day care home, headstart, early headstart, or another recognized preschool program; or
- Child development associate credential; or
- A bachelor of arts or an associate degree in education or a related field;
- Hold a current course completion card in infant, child and adult CPR and infant choking response; and
- Be currently certified in standard first aid.
For Aides:
The aide must be directly administered by the primary caregiver and shall be at least 16 years of age and shall satisfy the following requirements:
- Have sufficient language skills to communicate with children and adults;
- Have at least one day of one the job orientation; and
- Receive a minimum of at least eight hours of verified education or training annually as provided by the state.
Links and Contact Information for Class Application
The state of Montana has assigned some departments that will take care of childcare and family wellbeing. You can reach the departments in the following contact numbers for more questions and enquiries:
Child Care Licensing Agency
Mailing:
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
2401 Colonial Drive
P.O. Box 202953
Helena, MT 59620-2953
Phone: (406) 444-2012 or (406) 256-7062
Fax: (406) 444-1742
Head Start – State Collaboration Office
Mailing:
Department of Health and Human Services Cogswell A-116
Early Childhood Services Bureau
P.O. Box 202952
Helena, MT, 59620-2952
Phone: (406) 444-0589
Fax: (406) 444-2547
State Child Care Resource & Referral Contact
Mailing:
127 East Main St., Suite 217
Missoula, MT 59802
Phone: 406-549-1028
Toll Free: (866) 750-7101
Fax: (406) 541-9028
