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Montana Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Montana.

Montana Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with MT DPHHS)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:12, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Early Childhood Services Bureau (ECSB)
Regulatory code	ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq.

Montana preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Montana must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services under ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq..

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:12	—	Ages 3–5 years

Source: ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq., Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Always verify current ratios with MT DPHHS.

Montana preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Montana childcare center license require a director meeting Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’s qualification standards under ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq.. Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Montana must meet minimum education requirements set by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Montana-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Montana

Private preschool programs in Montana follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services center license (private preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Early Childhood Services Bureau (ECSB). The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq..
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services — Early Childhood Services Bureau (ECSB).
Official resource: https://dphhs.mt.gov/qsd/childcare

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Frequently asked questions: Montana preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Montana need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Montana that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services under ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq.. The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:12 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Montana preschool teacher need?

Montana preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services under ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq.. Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Montana preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services in Montana, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:12, with a maximum group size of —. Contact MT DPHHS to verify the current ratio requirement.

Are there state-funded preschool options in Montana?

Montana may have state-funded preschool options through Head Start, state pre-K programs, or other initiatives. Contact Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services or your local school district for information on state-funded preschool programs in your area.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Montana?

Kindergarten in Montana is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services under ARM 37.95.201 et seq. (Child Care Centers); MCA §52-2-701 et seq. and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Montana Childcare Center Requirements, Montana Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Montana Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services at https://dphhs.mt.gov/qsd/childcare before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.