Licensed Daycare in Columbus, Montana

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Columbus?

Statewide averages in Montana run roughly $920/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Columbus daycares?

All licensed Montana centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Columbus typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Columbus?

Montana families can apply for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (intake: (406) 444-5900). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

2 licensed daycares in Columbus, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Montana licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$920/mo

Montana avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Columbus

ChildCare Aware reports the Montana average full-time cost at $920/month for infant care and $720/month for preschool. City-level prices in Columbus vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Montana families may also qualify for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (intake: (406) 444-5900).

Full Montana licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 56 kids

ZIP codes covered

59019 2

Program types in Columbus

Licensed Group Child Care Home

1 centers

Infant Care

1 centers

All Columbus licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

M Infant Care

Missoula Precious Moments #7

Columbus

Preschool (2-5) Cap 46

Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Columbus, Montana?

Our directory lists 2 licensed childcare centers in Columbus, Montana, sourced from Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Columbus?

Statewide averages in Montana run roughly $920/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Columbus daycares?

All licensed Montana centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Columbus typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Columbus?

Montana families can apply for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (intake: (406) 444-5900). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Columbus daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.