Finding Summer Care for Children in Bozeman

The search for a safe, stimulating space for your child while they are out of school can be very stressful. Many parents are all too familiar with the uncertainty of finding care for school-age children this year as we face non- traditional school hours, and limited availability. As the school year ends, the new task of finding full-time, summer care can be a whole new challenge.

Luckily, a new online resource guide is available to make the search a little easier! The purpose of OutOfSchoolMT.org is to connect families to programs who are offering out-of-school care options, and to provide local resources to ensure that the children in our region have a safe and healthy environment where they can learn and grow.

Individuals can search this online guide for care options based on age, possible educational needs, days and/or times available, and scholarships offered. This will help parents find care without having to turn to an extensive google search. With summer arriving soon, the collaboration team is excited to add a new summer care feature to the website, giving parents an opportunity to see what summer programming is being offered in their community, and find options that match their family’s needs.

This resource was created as a collaborative effort, in response to a great need of school aged care during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Members of the Southwest Montana COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) including Child Care Connections, and the Early Childhood Community Council- Gallatin Area, worked together to create a central location for families to find much needed resources and information. This resource is available to families in Gallatin, Park, Madison, Lewis & Clark, Broadwater, Jefferson, and Meagher counties located in Southwest Montana.

While extensive, the resource guide still has room to grow, and Child Care Connections is relying on local programs to contribute to the database. The organizations involved each hope those with openings in their childcare programs will post their availability to OutofSchoolMT.org.

Child Care Connections is a 501(c)3 nonprofit advocating for the well-being and quality care of children by supporting early childhood professionals, families, and the communities we serve. We offer services in Gallatin, Lewis & Clark, Park, Meagher, Jefferson and Broadwater Counties.