Licensed Daycare in Lakeside, Montana

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Lakeside?

Statewide averages in Montana run roughly $920/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Lakeside daycares?

All licensed Montana centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Lakeside typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Lakeside?

Montana families can apply for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (intake: (406) 444-5900). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

2 licensed daycares in Lakeside, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Montana licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$920/mo

Montana avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Lakeside

ChildCare Aware reports the Montana average full-time cost at $920/month for infant care and $720/month for preschool. City-level prices in Lakeside vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Montana families may also qualify for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (intake: (406) 444-5900).

Full Montana licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 60 kids

ZIP codes covered

59922 2

Program types in Lakeside

All Lakeside licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

H Head Start

Havre Creative Kids #41

Lakeside

2 years - 12 years Cap 56

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Parent-asked basics on licensing, ratios, and waitlist timing for this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Lakeside, Montana?

Our directory lists 2 licensed childcare centers in Lakeside, Montana, sourced from Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Lakeside?

Statewide averages in Montana run roughly $920/month for infants and $720/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Lakeside daycares?

All licensed Montana centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Lakeside typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Lakeside?

Montana families can apply for Montana Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (intake: (406) 444-5900). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Lakeside daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Montana DPHHS — Early Childhood and Family Support Division search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.