Definition

The percent of regulated capacity that is at a STAR Level 3 or higher. STAR Level 3 and higher has been set as a benchmark for high-quality child care..

Types of regulated facilities included in the total: Child Care Center, Group Child Care, Family Friend Neighbor, Relative Care Exempt, Legally Certified Care (In Home), and Legally Certified Care.

Note: Legally Certified Care (In Home) and Legally Certified Care types ended in 9/30/19. Relative Care Exempt and Family Friend Neighbor types began 10/1/19.

The Best Beginnings STARS to Quality Program is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system that aligns quality indicators with support and incentives for early childhood programs and early childhood professionals.

Data Source

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Early Childhood and Family Support Division

Notes

• If a facility had more than one license or STAR level during the year, the most recent record is reported in the data. Head Start facilities licensed by the state are included in these data.

Last Updated

2025-11