CHILD CONNECT
A COMMUNITY POWERED
CHILD CARE INITIATIVE
Bridging the gap between families, employers, and child care providers — because thriving communities start with thriving families.
Child Connect is Greater Gallatin United Way’s bold solution to child care — a growing, community-powered initiative that brings families, providers, employers, and policymakers together to create lasting, local solutions.
FIND CHILD CARE NOW
Search all licensed child care providers in Gallatin, Park, Madison, and Meagher counties in one easy place—and discover the right fit for your family.
WHY CHILD CARE CAN'T WAIT
Montana’s child care crisis is holding back families, businesses, and our economy.
64,000 adults
are kept from fully participating in the workforce annually due to child care challenges.
$907 MILLION
in projected economic losses over the next decade across Montana.
$295,000 IN LIFETIME EARNINGS
are lost by women, on average, due to child care barriers
WHAT WE ARE BUILDING, TOGETHER
We’re not just filling gaps.
We’re building a system where every child has access to quality care, every family can thrive, and every business can succeed.
STEP ONE
LAUNCH KINSIDE
FAMILIES
Search, compare, and enroll in care
- No more endless searching — find and enroll in care easily
- Navigate financial assistance and employer-sponsored support
- Gain peace of mind with trusted, licensed providers
PROVIDERS
Get digital tools, increased visibility, and admin support
- Reach more families and fill more seats
- Reduce admin with digital waitlists and tools
- Access resources for licensing, fingerprinting, and operational support
EMPLOYERS
Offer Kinside as a benefit to support employees
- Attract and retain working parents
- Reduce absenteeism and increase workforce stability
- Invest in the care system your workforce depends on
COMMUNITY
A stronger child care system is the way to a thriving community for all.
Strengthen early learning
Empower working families
Build the foundation for generational success
LOOKING AHEAD: A MOVEMENT IN MOTION
Child Connect is more than a platform — it’s a long-term, strategic solution. Here’s how you can be part of the movement:
ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC POLICY
Your voice matters. We're driving systemic change through public policy to make child care more accessible and equitable for every family.
Support Advocacy Work →ENGAGE AS AN EMPLOYER
Businesses can lead the way. Offer solutions for your employees and be part of building a care-ready economy.
Partner with Us →EMPOWER LOCAL PROVIDERS
Support those who care for our kids. We provide resources like fingerprinting support, discounts, and operational tools.
Access Provider Tools →KIDSLINK OUT-OF-SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Support working families year-round. Our kidsLINK Out-of-School Programs offer affordable before- and after-school care, PIR day camps, and school break programs that help children learn, play, and grow while parents work.
Explore kidsLINK Programs →SPREAD THE WORD
Change starts with awareness. Help us highlight the vital role child care plays in our economy and community well-being.
Join the Awareness Campaign →FUEL CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIPS
Every dollar counts. Help families afford the care they need so no child is left without support due to cost.
Donate to Scholarships →“My husband and I have been looking for a home-based provider for our first child. It was hard to find any information on which providers even exist in our area… Being able to see which providers have open spots, how much they cost, and what the hours are seems so basic but we could rarely find that information out before calling. We just started using Child Connect and I am already relieved just to be able to see who is providing child care in Bozeman… Finding the right child care for us went from seeming like winning the lottery to something we can actually accomplish.”
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