Child care facilities provide care and supervision for children and must comply with applicable state and local health, safety, and licensing requirements. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MT DPHHS) is responsible for licensing child care facilities. The Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) assists with environmental health reviews and inspections as part of the licensing process. 

Child Care Facility Basics:

“Child care” has the same meaning as “day care,” and means care for children provided by an adult, other than a parent of the children or other person living with the children as a parent, on a regular basis for daily periods of less than 24 hours, whether that care is for daytime or nighttime hours.

“Infant” means a child through 11 months old.

“Child” means a person under 13 years old; or a person with special needs, as defined by the department, who is under 18 years old or is 18 years old and a full-time student expected to complete an educational program by 19 years old.

Click here for more definitions around child care facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing and Approval

Child care facility licenses are issued by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDPHHS) Child Care Licensing Program. 

As part of the licensing process, applicants must work with several agencies. The Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) conducts environmental health reviews and inspections related to facility requirements, water supply, wastewater disposal, food service operations, playgrounds, and other public health requirements. 

Once GCCHD’s review is complete, inspection findings and recommendations are submitted to MDPHHS for consideration as part of the licensing process. 

No. GCCHD does not issue child care licenses. Final licensing approval is issued by MT DPHHS after all required reviews, inspections, and approvals have been completed. 

No. GCCHD conducts environmental health reviews and inspections for child care facilities licensed for 16 or more children. 

Facilities licensed for smaller group sizes are generally reviewed and approved directly through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MT DPHHS), although other local requirements may still apply. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact MT DPHHS or GCCHD if they are unsure which requirements apply to their proposed facility. 

Yes. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact GCCHD before purchasing property, signing a lease, beginning construction, or remodeling a facility. Early consultation can help identify water supply, wastewater, zoning, facility design, and other requirements before significant expenses are incurred. 

Yes. New facilities, ownership changes, remodels, additions, and other facility modifications may require review before operation. 

The fee for a child care facility plan review is $152.00. 

GCCHD has up to 30 days to review a complete plan review application. Applications that are incomplete or require additional information may take longer to process. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit applications well in advance of their anticipated opening date and before beginning construction or remodeling. 

No. Child care facilities may not operate until all required approvals have been obtained and MDPHHS has issued the appropriate license. 

Depending on the project, applicants may need approvals from: 

  • Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MT DPHHS) 
  • Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) 
  • Local building officials 
  • Fire officials 
  • Zoning authorities 
  • Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) 
  • Other applicable agencies 

No. Approval by GCCHD does not constitute approval under all other applicable federal, state, local, zoning, building, fire, business licensing, or land use requirements. Operators are responsible for obtaining all other required approvals and permits. 

Water Supply and Wastewater

Yes. Child care facilities must have an adequate supply of safe, potable water. 

Possibly. Private wells must meet applicable state requirements and may require water quality testing, sanitary surveys, or approval from other agencies depending on the size and type of facility. 

Yes. GCCHD reviews water supply and wastewater disposal systems as part of the environmental health review process. Facilities served by private wells or onsite wastewater treatment systems may need to provide additional documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable requirements. 

Yes. Child care facilities must be connected to an approved public sewer system or an approved onsite wastewater treatment system that is adequately sized for the proposed use. 

Possibly. Documentation may be required to demonstrate that the wastewater system was approved for the proposed use and has adequate capacity to serve the facility. 

Facility Requirements

Possibly. Home-based child care facilities may be allowed if they meet applicable licensing, health, safety, zoning, water, wastewater, and fire requirements. 

Yes. Handwashing facilities must be available and conveniently located for staff and children as required by applicable regulations. 

Yes. Child care facilities must provide adequate restroom facilities that are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 

If diapering services are provided, designated diaper changing areas may be required and must be maintained in a sanitary condition. 

Yes. Outdoor play areas may be reviewed as part of the licensing process to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety requirements. 

Pets may be allowed depending on the type of animal and applicable licensing requirements. Additional restrictions may apply to protect the health and safety of children. 

Food Service

Yes. Meals and snacks may be served if prepared, stored, and handled in accordance with applicable requirements. 

Some child care facilities may require additional review depending on the type of food service provided. Contact GCCHD for guidance regarding your specific operation. 

In many cases, yes. However, facilities should follow applicable licensing requirements regarding food storage, labeling, allergies, and food safety practices. 

Inspections and Renewals

You can contact the Gallatin City-County Health Department at 406-582-3120 to schedule your annual inspection with a sanitarian. 

For immunization and vaccine record reviews, please contact the GCCHD Public Health and Immunization Team at 406-582-3100. 

Child care facilities are inspected as part of the licensing process and may receive routine inspections, complaint investigations, follow-up inspections, or other inspections as necessary to verify compliance with applicable requirements. 

Yes. GCCHD conducts environmental health inspections and submits findings to MT DPHHS as part of the child care licensing process. 

Complaints and Disease Prevention

GCCHD may investigate complaints involving sanitation, water supply, wastewater disposal, food safety, environmental health concerns, communicable disease outbreaks, and other matters within our regulatory authority. 

Complaints may be submitted by phone, email, or through the complaint form available on our website. 

Operators should follow applicable reporting requirements and contact the appropriate public health authorities when communicable diseases or outbreaks are suspected. 

Regulations

  • Safety and Facilities: 37.96.4 
  • Environmental Health: 37.96.6 
  • Nutrition and Food Service: 37.96.7 
  • Qualification and Training: 37.96.9 

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Questions?

If you have questions regarding child care facility licensing, inspections, water supply, wastewater disposal, plan review, or environmental health requirements, please contact the Gallatin City-County Health Department Environmental Health Division. 

Please note: Approval by GCCHD does not constitute approval under all other applicable federal, state, local, zoning, building, fire, business licensing, or land use requirements. Operators are responsible for obtaining all other required approvals and permits. 

Contact Us:

Environmental Health Team
Call: 406-582-3120
Email: ehs@gallatin.mt.gov

Communicable Disease or Immunization Teams
Call: 406-582-3100
Email: hs@gallatin.mt.gov

Temporary Office Location:

400 E. Babcock Street, Bozeman