Missoula, MT— The state of Montana continues to grapple with a persistent shortage of childcare services, a problem that is keeping thousands of parents of young children out of the workforce, according to recent reports.
Data from Zero to Five Montana indicates that approximately 66,000 Montana parents with young children are not fully participating in the labor market due to the lack of accessible childcare options. This shortage poses a significant barrier amid a statewide labor shortage, where job openings outnumber unemployed individuals seeking work.
“Childcare is a vital and important topic in Montana because the state is experiencing a labor shortage,” said Amy Watson, chief economist at the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. “We have more job openings than we do unemployed individuals who are looking for work.”
Without affordable and reliable childcare, many parents find it impossible to accept or maintain employment. In response, business leaders and community organizations convened in Helena to discuss strategies aimed at bridging the gap between childcare availability and workforce participation.
The forum’s goal was to generate actionable ideas and engage employers as active participants in addressing the issue. Discussions revealed that no single solution would suffice. Instead, a combination of approaches such as flexible work schedules, paid parental leave, onsite childcare facilities, and increased financial support for families are needed.
Financial strain is a major obstacle for many families, with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry reporting that a family of four with two children spends roughly $25,000 annually—about a quarter of their combined income—on childcare costs.
Supply remains far from meeting demand, with only about 46% of estimated childcare needs currently available. While the gap has narrowed slightly over the past few years, it continues to represent a significant challenge for families and employers alike.
Among the potential solutions discussed, childcare apprenticeship programs are gaining attention as a promising way to expand the workforce of qualified childcare providers and improve service availability.
As Montana seeks to balance economic growth with family needs, stakeholders emphasize the importance of collaborative, multi-faceted solutions to ensure parents can both care for their children and contribute to the state’s workforce.
