Our Story

In the fall of 2018, the Chamber surveyed the business community to better understand the need for quality, affordable childcare and it's impact on the workforce. With more than 550 responses, we found that there were over 1,000 children on a waiting list to receive care. Further, 47% of respondents indicated they had either scaled back or abandoned their career due to a lack of childcare options. 

By the fall of 2019, three of the proposed models have begun to see movement. A local business, opened their own child care facility within their business for their employees. Cold Springs, an abandoned elementary school, will be renovated to create a new child care facility for over 150 children by Mark Roberts of Missoula Early Learning Center. And, Missoulians have partnered with franchises to create their own in-home centers. 

Chamber Models

MODEL #1
The creation of a child care facility that is housed within the business for their employees.

MODEL #2
Develop and existing large capacity child care facility into a campus for a single large employer.

MODEL #3
Collaboration between two or more businesses to combine efforts to create a facility for their sector of town.

MODEL #4
Utilize a vacant school building to open a new, or expand and existing, facility. 

MODEL #5
Incorporate a child care facility in current development projects. 

MODEL #6
Develop a child care center in a shopping center. 

MODEL #7
Partner those not returning to their career with a franchise to open an in-home child care center. 

Related Articles

Read the full story in the Funders For Montana's Children article

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Download our 2020 survey results and summary.

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At The White House

In December 2019, the CEO of Missoula Chamber, Kim Latrielle, was invited to take part in a summit at the White House about child care and family leave. The leadership shown by Missoula Chamber in addressing this important workforce and community need was recognized by the highest levels of government. They were asked to take part in the event and share the lessons they have learned along the way, while explaining the models identified in Missoula.  The Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce was one of just a few Chambers at the summit, illustrating the Chamber's role as a catalyst for change in our community. 

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Download our initial 2018 survey results and summary.

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