Bill > HB422

This bill aims to revise the child-to-staff ratios and maximum group sizes for child care centers in Montana. The key provisions include: 1. Increasing the age range for the 4:1 child-to-staff ratio from 23 months to 11 months, and maintaining the maximum group size of 12 for this age group. 2. Introducing a new 8:1 child-to-staff ratio for children aged 2 years, with a maximum group size of 16. 3. Revising the 10:1 child-to-staff ratio to cover children aged 3 years through 5 years, with a maximum group size of 20. 4. Introducing a 20:1 child-to-staff ratio for children aged 6 years and over, with a maximum group size of 40. 5. Allowing for a doubling of the child-to-staff ratio during nap time (up to 20:1) for children 2 years and over, provided certain conditions are met, such as at least half the children being asleep and another staff member being on-site. The bill aims to align the child care regulations with national guidelines, increase access and affordability to child care for Montana families, and support quality improvement in child care programs while still maintaining appropriate supervision and safety standards.