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HRDC
The Human Resource Development Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to building a better community through innovation and leadership. They provide programs and services in the areas of Housing, Food & Nutrition, Child & Youth Development, Senior Empowerment, Community Transportation, Home Heating–Energy–Safety, and Community Development.

 

DPHHS Children & Families Programs
The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services has many programs available for Montana's families and children. The link above list services for assistance programs, family services, child welfare, pregnancy resources, youth care, and more. 

 

On-Campus Child Care

MSU Child Development Center
105 Herrick Hall
(406) 994-5010
The MSU CDC offers a year-round early education program for Bozeman area young children, ages 3 to 5 years. A university laboratory site for research and learning, the center is licensed by the State of Montana and by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).


TIP: Please contact the center asap as there could be a long waiting list.

 

ASMSU Day Care Center
Louise Shunk Day Care Community Center
1295 West Garfield Street
(406) 994-4326
ASMSU Day Care provides childcare and educational activities for preschoolers aged 2½ to 6 years. The center is open to children of MSU students, staff and faculty, and is accredited by the National Academy for Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NAEYC). School is in session Monday through Friday 7:45a.m. to 5:15p.m. on the days MSU classes are in session. We are open during summer session. Half days and whole days are available.


TIP: Please contact the center asap as there could be a long waiting list.

Off-Campus Child Care

Child Care Connections
1143 Stoneridge Drive Suite 1
(406) 587-7786
Child Care Connections advocates for the well-being and quality care of children by supporting early childhood professionals, families and the communities we serve. Offers services such as Best Beginnings scholarships for families struggling with high child care costs, safety programs, and more.

 

Family Connections Montana State University
(406) 761-6010
Family Connections Montana helps you find quality child care the best fits your needs.  Whether your hours of needed care are limited or you are looking for specific environments, Family Connections Montana connects families to licensed child care providers in order to provide a quality experience for everyone.  A child care referral may also be accessed through the website.

 

Thrive
(406) 587-3840
Thrive is a community-based organization that provides a variety of programs to help support children and families in the Bozeman area. Programs include Parent Place, Child Advancement Project, Parent Liaison, Girls for Change, and Partnership Project to Strengthen Families.

Emergency, Occasional, or Back-Up Child Care

Examples of situations you might be looking for a caregiver to watch your child:

    • when school or the child care program closes intermittently
    • your child is mildly ill and unable to go to school or child care
    • to meet an unexpected deadline
    • due to your schedule changing
    • simply to go out and have a relaxing evening

 

Commercial web sites listing babysitters:

 

General Tips when hiring a babysitter/caregiver:

 

Additional Child Care Resources

Off-Campus Student Life has a Child Care Grant Award Application to support Gallatin College, undergraduate, and graduate student parents by helping pay a portion of their childcare expenses. If awarded, the dollars are directly sent on the student’s behalf to the licensed childcare program. This way, the award does not impact the student’s financial aid package.

Thrive provides local Gallatin Valley families with the resources, tools, and support they need to raise healthy, successful children. It provides mentoring, education, and support to children and families through signature programs designed right here in our community.

Child Care Connections’ Choosing Quality Child Care Pamphlet 

NAEYC Accredited Program Search
What to look for in a program (Child Care and Preschool)

Zero to Three
Information and support on child early development

ChildCareAware website and State Child Care Facts in MT (2020 data set)

For My Child

Hopa Mountain
(406) 586-2455
Hopa Mountain is a Bozeman-based nonprofit organization that administers the Indigenous Scholars of Promise program and occasionally offers fellowships for Native American undergraduate students majoring in the geosciences or working in nonprofits.

 

Bozeman Public Schools
(406) 522-000
The community of Bozeman has seven K-5 elementary schools, two 6-8 middle schools, and two 9-12 high school. For a list of schools and contact information visit the Bozeman School District's page about their schools.

 

Belgrade Public Schools
(406) 388-6951
Belgrade has three K-5 elementary schools, one 6-8 middle schools, and one 9-12 high school. For a list of schools and contact information visit the Belgrade School District's page for visitors.

 

Montana School Nutrition Programs
The School Nutrition Programs unit administers school-based child nutrition programs throughout Montana on behalf of the Office of Public Instruction's Health Enhancement and Safety Division.

For Me

AYCSS Adult Learner Resources
Check out the collection of MSU resources for adult learners, curated by the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success.

At MSU

Bounty of the Bridgers
The Bounty of the Bridgers Campus Food Pantry provides supplemental and emergency food assistance to students, faculty, staff, and family members at no cost. Along with the food pantry, the Bounty of the Bridgers program now also supports Food Security Scholarships.

 

MSU Student Meal Plans 
MSU's offering of student meal plans. 

  • Commuter vs. Residential Meal Plans
  • Dining Hall Locations, Hours, & Meal Times
  • Meal Plan Options and Pricing





In Our Community

Community Café
Come enjoy a delicious meal with your friends and family at the Community Café. By eating with us, you can help feed a neighbor in need. Just pay the full amount of the suggested price for your meal, plus a little extra to “pay it forward.” If everyone does a little it will help a lot. What you give is more than just a meal: You give hope, opportunity & community.

 

Gallatin Valley Food Bank
The food resource center for Gallatin County. The critical link between food and people who need it.

 

SNAP
SNAP provides benefits to eligible families to supplement their food budget and increase their ability to purchase healthy foods. 

HRDC's Guide to Affordable Housing
Because finding affordable housing is such a challenge, HRDC makes creating and accessing safe, secure housing a priority.

 

Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps very low-income families, individuals with disabilities and the elderly afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. 

 

Family & Graduate Housing
Family & Graduate Housing serves the students of Montana State University by providing affordable housing options in an environment that is conducive to the academic and social success of student families, and qualifying single tenants. Students considering Family and Graduate Housing should submit their application 8-12 months in advance of their move-in date. Application deposit is required.

 

Career, Internship, Student Employment Office
The Career, Internship, Student Employment Office helps students connect with job opportunities both on and off campus. This office also host career fairs, workshops and events, as well as provides career coaching for students. All services are free to MSU students.

 

Hire a Bobcat (Handshake)
MSU's HireABobcat.com is a FREE online recruiting platform for students and employers. Explore various job postings, including on campus job opportunities and internships.

 

Bozeman Job Service
Montana's One-Stop Centers make up a state-wide system of workforce development partners that collaborate to provide customer focused employment and training opportunities that prepares, trains, and connects a highly skilled workforce to the business community striving to enhance and improve long term employment outcomes for job seekers and business. 

 

Work Study
Work Study is a federal or state funded program offered to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. The money earned is intended to assist with meeting educational expenses.  If Work Study is awarded as part of a financial aid package, the student is eligible to apply for a Work Study job. The money earned through a Work Study job is paid in the form of a paycheck on an “hour’s work for an hour’s pay” basis.  These funds do not credit to the student's account.

 

Streamline Bus Service
Streamline offers fare-free service throughout the Bozeman area to fulfill everyone's transportation needs. Our routes provide service to and from Bozeman, Belgrade, Four Corners, Livingston and seasonal routes to Bridger Bowl. Streamline also connects with the the Skyline Bus System for travel to and from Big Sky. 

 

Big Sky Bus Service
The new Big Sky area bus service that also provides the Link between Bozeman and Big Sky. The year-round service offers increased travel options for the community. Bus passes are for sale for a nominal fee. 

 

Parenting Courses
MSU's Family and Human Development Extention has gathered online and video courses about a variety of parenting topics. They also provide a space to request parenting information for any additional topics not covered by their current list of resources.

 

Parent & Caregiver Resources
This page provides access to parenting information and resources, useful links, and guides for parents/caregivers of all kinds.

 

Active Parenting
MSU Extension agents across Montana will be teaching Active Parenting for the Active Parenting the First Five Years, Active Parenting 4th Edition for Youth 5-12 years old and Active Parenting for Teens.  Classes are offered virtually.  See course details below and visit the Active Parenting website.

 

Breastfeeding & Lactation Spaces on Campus
Learn about MSU's Breastfeeding Policy, find Family Care rooms across campus, and explore additional lactation resources.

 

 

I Want to Know More About...

 

Title IX and Pregnant, Parenting, and Married Students

Know your protected rights and resources as a Pregnant, Parenting, and/or Married Student at Montana State University. Explore our supports and policies across campus.

Local, National, & Other Resources

Doula Services & Midwifery, Foster Care/Adoption, Grief & Loss, Healthcare, Lactation/Breastfeeding, Perinatal Mental Health, Single Parenthood, Social Activities/Events for Families, Support Groups, and more!