An agreement between two Bozeman nonprofits promises to stabilize childcare resources for families in Gallatin Valley. This comes after recent changes to state-issued childcare service contracts raised concerns. The Greater Gallatin United Way will take over several early childhood programs from Child Care Connections, which faces closure due to loss of state funding. Directors from both organizations view this as a positive step to continue community coalitions aiding families in accessing affordable childcare.
“In addition to those coalitions, they’re going to take on some of the childcare advocacy work that we were doing locally, kind of the education piece,” said Child Care Connections Executive Director Tori Sproles regarding Greater Gallatin United Way’s new role. With the 2025 legislative session approaching, maintaining momentum on childcare issues is crucial. This change affects one of six childcare resource agencies in Montana, following state contract alterations.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services has shifted to a single statewide contract for provider services, granted to New York-based Shine Early Learning. Meanwhile, Child Care Connections and other nonprofits were offered family-based service contracts, but these were insufficient to sustain their operations. Greater Gallatin United Way will now oversee the Gallatin Early Childhood Community Council, fostering collaborations to enhance childcare affordability and accessibility. The nonprofit also plans to assist local businesses in exploring sustainable childcare models.
“We want to continue to offer those services and advocate for families and for employers for exceptional, affordable childcare resources in our community,” said Greater Gallatin United Way President Kimberly Hall. With ongoing initiatives in early learning, the transition aligns with their priorities. This partnership may offer opportunities for Child Care Connections’ staff, as Greater Gallatin United Way’s area overlaps with CCC’s service region but includes Madison County.
Sproles expressed relief that Shine Early Learning aims to hire local staff to provide direct assistance, addressing concerns that services might become entirely virtual. The transition efforts continue as Child Care Connections’ dissolution draws near, yet some employees find new positions. Despite the closure, the strategies in place aim to sustain and enhance childcare services in southwest Montana.
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