Child Care Resources

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

Attention provides,
For September payments, please remember attendance is due by 5pm Tuesday, September 1st. First payments are scheduled for Friday, September 11th.

Attention Child Care Providers!

Keep your payments on track by following the upcoming MAQCS Payment Processing Timeline.

Here are the key deadlines you need to know:
• August 4th (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM: Submit your attendance to kick off the cycle.
• August 6th (Thursday): Invoices are created and assigned to caseworkers for review.
• August 10th (Monday) at 5:00 PM: Caseworkers release invoices for payment.
• August 12th (Wednesday) at 5:00 PM: CCB completes final review for payment release.
• August 13th (Thursday): Payments process!

Mark your calendars so you never miss a step! 📅

08/14/2026

Attention Lake County families!
Check out these upcoming services and events in your area.

08/13/2026

Here's a look ahead at the payment schedule for the rest of 2026:

In August for September payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, September 1st
First payment Friday, September 11th
In September for October payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, October 6th
First payment Friday, October 16th
In October for November payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, November 3rd
First payment Friday, November 13th
In November for December payments:
Attendance due by 5pm Tuesday, December 1st
First payment Friday, December 11th

Attention Child Care Providers!

Keep your payments on track by following the upcoming MAQCS Payment Processing Timeline.

Here are the key deadlines you need to know:
• August 4th (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM: Submit your attendance to kick off the cycle.
• August 6th (Thursday): Invoices are created and assigned to caseworkers for review.
• August 10th (Monday) at 5:00 PM: Caseworkers release invoices for payment.
• August 12th (Wednesday) at 5:00 PM: CCB completes final review for payment release.
• August 13th (Thursday): Payments process!

Mark your calendars so you never miss a step! 📅

08/12/2026

08/10/2026

Have you reviewed the proposed changes to Best Beginnings?
https://dphhs.mt.gov/assets/rules/2026-533-pro-arm.pdf

Montana DPHHS has released proposed changes to the rules governing the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship, and these changes could affect families receiving assistance and child care providers who participate in the program.

The proposed changes include updates to:
• Family income eligibility
• Monthly enrollment-based payments
• Full-time and part-time authorizations
• Primary and secondary providers
• Provider registration fee reimbursement
• Copayments and changes to a child’s provider
• Requirements for school-age care

Families and child care providers are encouraged to review the proposed rules and share their feedback. This is an opportunity to understand what is being proposed and make your voice heard before the rules are finalized.

A virtual public hearing will be held Thursday, August 27, at 10:00 a.m. Written comments are also being accepted through Friday, September 4, at 5:00 p.m.

Take some time to review the proposed changes and consider how they may affect you, your family, or your child care program.

08/07/2026

Our phones are currently down. Our IT is working to resolve this. In the meantime, please email [email protected] and we will get back to you ASAP.

08/03/2026

Our office will be closed on Tuesday, August 11 for a staff meeting. We will resume regular business hours on Wednesday, August 12.

07/28/2026

On behalf of our partners at DPHHS, we’re excited to share that Family Day is coming up at the 2026 Great Beginnings, Great Families conference on August 11, 2026, and we’d love your help spreading the word! Family Day is a full day dedicated to family focused speakers, resources, and a family panel, all designed to support, empower, and connect families.

Families are welcome to join us just for Family Day or stay for the full conference, August 11–13, including our Exhibitor Showcase, where local organizations will share helpful programs, activities, and resources for children, teens, and families.

Location: Best Western Great Northern Hotel, Helena, MT

Family Scholarships Available: Registration scholarships are available on a first come, first served basis (travel assistance and childcare stipends are not offered this year). Families can apply using the code FamilyGBGF2026 during registration.

If anyone has questions or needs help registering, they can reach out to Jonelle LaPiere at [email protected] or 406 444 1881.