HELENA — The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced $3 million to help boost the state's childcare workforce.
The money comes from a federal U.S. Health and Human Services scholarship program for parents who are also staff members at a licensed or registered childcare facility.
It's made available through the Montana Bright Futures program, which was created earlier this year to help create more high-quality, affordable childcare.
The shortage of affordable childcare has been identified as a challenge to recruiting and retaining workers in Montana.
DPHHS estimates that some 300 people in the state may be eligible for the newly announced benefit.
