Montana Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

The department must visit and inspect all licensed and registered child care facilities annually, except RCE providers, and may conduct unannounced inspections (FFN providers receive scheduled inspections) (ARM 37.96.118, Facilities Inspections

FFN providers receive scheduled inspections

statutory basis 52-2-733, MCA, Periodic Visits to Facilities by Department).

License or Registration). Annual State Fire Marshal and local public-health authority approvals are also required (ARM 3

Before a provider may care for children the department conducts a pre-inspection, then issues a 90-day provisional license/registration during which it observes the facility while children are in care before removing provisional status and issuing a regular license/registration (ARM 37.96.111, Issuing a License or Registration).

ARM 37.96.111, Issuing a License or Registration

Annual State Fire Marshal and local public-health authority approvals are also required (ARM 37.96.602).

ARM 37.96.602

Establishing or maintaining a day-care facility without first obtaining a license or registration certificate is a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed $500 (52-2-741(1), MCA).

52-2-741(1), MCA

The department may report the results of its investigation to the attorney general or the county attorney for prosecution and request that an injunction be issued against the facility until a license or certificate is issued (52-2-741(2), MCA).

52-2-741(2), MCA

For licensed/registered providers the department applies progressive enforcement, including corrective action and denial, suspension, revocation, modification, or reduction to probationary status of a license or registration (ARM subchapter 37.96.11, Compliance and Enforcement, incl.

or reduction to probationary status of a license or registration (ARM subchapter 3

ARM 37.96.1101 Complaints and Investigations and ARM 37.96.1116 Fair Hearing).

or reduction to probationary status of a license or registration (ARM subchapter 3

During a Montana childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Newborn through 11 months (infants) age group must be staffed at no looser than 4:1 (maximum group size 12).

During a Montana childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 12 months through 23 months (toddlers) age group must be staffed at no looser than 6:1 (maximum group size 12).

During a Montana childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 2 years old age group must be staffed at no looser than 8:1 (maximum group size 16).

During a Montana childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 3 years through 5 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 10:1 (maximum group size 20).

During a Montana childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 6 years old and over (school-age) age group must be staffed at no looser than 20:1 (maximum group size 40).

Montana inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.312(1)(b) (Family Access to Information — admission requirements, enrollment procedures, and hours of operation must be disclosed to parents); see also ARM 37.96.202 (General Programming Requirements).

Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.312(1)(b) (Family Access to Information — admission requirements, enrollment procedures, and hours of operation must be disclosed to parents); see also ARM 37.96.202 (General Programming Requirements)

Montana inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.206 (Positive Child Guidance).

Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.206 (Positive Child Guidance)

Montana inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.505 (Management of Illness).

Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.505 (Management of Illness)

Montana inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.502 (Medication Administration); see also ARM 37.96.303(1)(f) (required written medication administration policy).

Mont. Admin. R. (ARM) 37.96.502 (Medication Administration); see also ARM 37.96.303(1)(f) (required written medication administration policy)

How often does Montana inspect licensed childcare centers?

The department must visit and inspect all licensed and registered child care facilities annually, except RCE providers, and may conduct unannounced inspections (FFN providers receive scheduled inspections) (ARM 37.96.118, Facilities Inspections; statutory basis 52-2-733, MCA, Periodic Visits to Facilities by Department). Before a provider may care for children the department conducts a pre-inspection, then issues a 90-day provisional license/registration during which it observes the facility while children are in care before removing provisional status and issuing a regular license/registration (ARM 37.96.111, Issuing a License or Registration). Annual State Fire Marshal and local public-health authority approvals are also required (ARM 37.96.602).

What do Montana inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Montana childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Montana childcare center fails an inspection?

Establishing or maintaining a day-care facility without first obtaining a license or registration certificate is a misdemeanor, punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed $500 (52-2-741(1), MCA). The department may report the results of its investigation to the attorney general or the county attorney for prosecution and request that an injunction be issued against the facility until a license or certificate is issued (52-2-741(2), MCA). For licensed/registered providers the department applies progressive enforcement, including corrective action and denial, suspension, revocation, modification, or reduction to probationary status of a license or registration (ARM subchapter 37.96.11, Compliance and Enforcement, incl. ARM 37.96.1101 Complaints and Investigations and ARM 37.96.1116 Fair Hearing).

How can I prepare my Montana childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Montana inspectors verify?

Montana inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Montana administrative code.