Missoula is home to a number of quality daycare centers, many offering preschool programs.
In addition to engaging curricula, many of the centers feature CPR and first aid certification of staff, NAEYC and/or NAFCC accreditation, and USDA food programs.
Some local centers can have long waiting lists, so visiting facilities and narrowing down options early is a smart strategy.
Missoula also offers several drop-in daycare facilities that provide supervision and entertainment to children at hourly rates. These centers are a convenient option for short-term or temporary child care situations, last-minute needs, or even a parents’ night out.
Families needing help covering the costs of quality daycare for preschoolers, Child Care Resources and Head Start are two excellent resources for potential assistance.
Child Care Resources
127 E. Main St., Suite 314
(406) 728-6446 or (800) 728-6446
- A non-profit organization that serves as a resource for local child care data and resources
- Helps families locate and evaluate child care facilities
- Provides training and technical assistance to child care providers for Missoula, Mineral, and Ravalli counties
- Also offers child care assistance to qualified low-income families
Missoula Head Start
2121 39th St.
(406) 251-9410, ext 302
- A comprehensive child development program that serves low-income families
- Child-focused programs serve children from birth to 5 years of age, pregnant women, and their families with the goal of increasing school readiness of children from low-income families
Provides a range of individualized services in the areas of education and early childhood development; medical, dental, and mental health; nutrition; and parent involvement addressing each family’s unique needs.
