What is the Best
Beginnings Scholarship Program?
Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships
are child care payment awards to help Montana working families pay for
child care. The Best Beginnings Scholarship Program helps families pay
for child care while they
- work
- work and attend school
- attend high school
- participate in Montana's Temporary
Aid for nNeedy Families (TANF) program
Some additional restrictions may apply.
What are the
requirements for receiving a Best Beginnings Scholarship?
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1. |
Families must meet a Minimum
Work Requirement. |
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A two parent
household needs to work 120 hours each month. A single parent
household needs to work 60 hours each month. A single parent,
while attending school full time, needs to work 40 hours each
month. When there are two parents, the work hours may be divided
between the two. One parent mya meet the work requirement while
the other goes to school.
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2. |
Maximum Income Guidelines: |
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Household size
generally includes the parent(s) and their children. A household
of two may receive up to $1,451 per month, gross income, and be
eligible. When families apply at their Child Care Resource and
Referral agency, income is evaluated by an eligibility
specialist. Use the income eligibility table below as a guide:
| Household
Size |
Gross
Monthly Income
July 2001 - June 2002 |
| 2 |
$1,451 |
| 3 |
$1,829 |
| 4 |
$2,206 |
| 5 |
$2,584 |
| 6 |
$2,961 |
| 7 |
$3,339 |
| 8 |
$3,716 |
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Do I
pay Any Child Care Costs to My Provider?
Everyone pays a co-payment
based on a sliding fee scale. A family of four with a gross monthly
income of $1,691 pays a co-payment of $118 to the provider and Best
Beginnings pays the provider for child care used during that month, up
to the State provider rate. Some families pay a co-payment of as little
as $5 a month.
Depending on your family
size and monthly income, you pay a once-a-month payment to your child's
provider and the Best Beginnings Scholarship pays the rest.
Is
the Co-payment the Only Cost?
The State child care
provider rate varies according to the type of child care, the type of
facility and the location. Some providers charge more than the State
rate or have additional fees. Families are responsible for any fees over
and above the State provider rates.
How
is My Child Care Provider Chosen?
You choose your own
Licensed or Registered child care provider. These providers meet
Montana's basic regulations regarding child development, health and
safety. Generally, your child care provider receives a direct payment
from the State.
Can I
Choose a Family Member or Friend as My Provider?
Family members and friends
are often eligible to be paid as "Legally Unregistered" child
care providers through the Best Beginnings Scholarship program. If your
provider is not registered or licensed, they need to complete a simple
application and pass child and adult protective service and criminal
background checks. The Child Care Resource and Referral program will help
with this process.
Please feel free to direct your
questions about the program to:
Billings District VII HRDC
Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass and Yellowstone Counties
(406) 247-4732 or (800) 433-1411
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