BOZEMAN – Family Promise of Gallatin Valley received $1 million from the state’s ARPA Health Advisory Commission to expand its early learning childcare center services. Rising Stars Early Learning Center is now open Monday – Thursday from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00am – 4:00 pm. In total, Rising Stars provides high quality, licensed, STEM based childcare to over 100 children, ages 4 weeks to 5 years.

According to the Director of Rising Stars ELC, Holly Smedley, “We are proud to pilot an innovative and inclusive program offering affordable early learning opportunities to Bozeman’s workforce. Providing flexible, reliable, and stable childcare will allow families to have a sense of security within their careers and their households. Expanding our services allows us to support families in a holistic manner, regardless of income or work schedules.”

 
Rising Stars Early Learning Center is focused on offering a Safe, Trusting, Accepting, Respectful, and Secure learning environment for all children and their families. All children are taught with the Creative Curriculum, focusing on being innovative, responsive, supportive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate. Each student is provided two nutritious meals and snacks. All necessities are provided by the center such as diapers, wipes, formula, and more.

 
According to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, licensed childcare capacity meets only 56% of the potential demand, which leaves many families with illegal or unsafe options for childcare, or no options at all. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, childcare is considered to be affordable when it costs no more than 7% of a household’s income. In Montana, the average cost of infant and childcare is between $8,365 per child to $9,518 per child. According to the Child Care and the Community 2021 Gallatin County report, a typical family spends over 25% of their income on childcare for one infant and one toddler—a percentage that is over three times higher than what is considered affordable.  

 
To apply or learn more about Family Promise’s Rising Stars ELC, visit familypromisegv.org.