FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Greater Gallatin United Way Launches new ‘Child Connect’ Initiative to Tackle Regional Child Care Crisis
Bozeman, MT — September 2, 2025 —Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) announced today the launch of Child Connect, a new community-powered initiative designed to strengthen the region’s child care infrastructure by connecting families, child care providers, and employers in a shared solution.
Child Connect addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing families and communities today: access to affordable, high-quality child care. The initiative supports early learning, helps working families stay in the workforce, empowers providers, and equips employers with tools to support their teams.
“Innovation paired with community collaboration can reshape how families access child care,” said Kim Hall, President/CEO of Greater Gallatin United Way. “Child Connect is designed to strengthen the entire system, ensuring families, providers, and employers all have the support and tools they need to succeed.”
The initial phase centers on Kinside, a collaborative technology platform that connects families with real-time child care openings. It provides employers with tools to help employees find and access care, while giving providers tools to reduce administrative tasks and increase visibility.
For parents, this access is already making a difference. One Bozeman parent shared:
“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.”
Providers say the tool will be equally valuable for them. Jackie Ng, who operates two child care sites, Gallatin River Child Care, and is preparing to open a third in Big Sky, explained:
“It’s so hard to fill spots when families don’t know their options or can’t easily find us. Having a system where parents can instantly see what’s available makes all the difference. Child Connect will help providers like me connect with families faster and keep our programs full, which is critical to staying sustainable.”
Child Connect is built around the understanding that strong families are the foundation of thriving communities. Through innovation, partnership, and collective action, GGUW is helping lead the way toward long-term solutions.
This project is made possible through the support of The City of Bozeman and Family Forward Montana, a program of Zero to Five, along with community partners committed to expanding access to child care.
To learn more or get involved as a provider, parent, or employer, visit greatergallatinunitedway.org/child-connect.
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About Greater Gallatin United Way
Since 1978, Greater Gallatin United Way has worked to ensure every family and individual in Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, and Park counties has the opportunity to thrive. As a convener, funder, and direct service provider, GGUW tackles the community’s most pressing challenges by supporting early learning, youth success, basic needs, and mental health and well-being. From kidsLINK out-of-school programs and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to disaster relief efforts and community-powered initiatives like Child Connect, GGUW unites people, resources, and partnerships to create lasting impact.
