The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the need for more options for childcare in Missoula as hybrid-learning models have led families to seek help on the days they are studying at home.
The need for more programs for school-aged children was met, at least temporarily, with the creation of new, affordable programs and spots for those kids using federal COVID-19 emergency funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. But that funding expires at the end of the year. Although the new pandemic-relief bill Congress passed Monday includes $10 billion to stabilize the childcare industry, it s not yet clear what percentage of those funds will be made available to school-aged care versus care for younger children, or when the funding will be distributed.