New Payment System Creates Money Strain for Montana Child Care Providers

Delayed Child Care Payments Create Problems For Montana Providers

We've talked before about how expensive child care is for Montana families, but running a child care business isn't cheap either.

According to KTVQ, some child care providers across the state are dealing with delayed reimbursement payments from the state, and it's creating some serious financial headaches.

Best Beginnings Payment Delays Strain Child Care Businesses

For many of these providers, those delayed payments are making it difficult to cover everyday expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities.

The payments are tied to the state's new Best Beginnings payment system, which helps many Montana families, including foster families, pay for child care.

After changes were made to the payment system back in February, providers say reimbursements have become unpredictable. That's a major problem for businesses that are already operating on razor-thin margins.

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Providers & Families Hope Payment Issues Are Resolved Soon

If some of these providers are forced to close, it would only make an already difficult situation worse. Right now, about 60% of Montana counties are considered child care deserts, meaning there aren't enough licensed child care openings to meet even one-third of the estimated need.

The uncertainty isn't just affecting providers. It's also affecting the families who rely on the program.

Single mother Chelsea Brent told KTVQ,

Right now, both providers and parents are hoping these payment issues get resolved soon. If they don't, some providers may have to stop accepting families who use the program, or worse, close their doors altogether.