Membership
You’re committed to providing excellent care for Montana’s children—let us help you grow as a professional and connect with others who share your values.
The Montana Family Childcare Network (MFCN) is dedicated to promoting high-quality early childhood experiences in home-based childcare programs. By becoming a member of MFCN, you gain the support and recognition you need. As a member, you’ll connect with a community of skilled peers, access professional development and training, and have pathways to national accreditation. Additionally, you’ll have a unified voice advocating for family childcare at both the state and national levels.
Your MFCN membership connects you to Montana's family child care community and provides the support you need to grow professionally.
Membership Benefits
Community & Networking
As an MFCN member, you'll connect with Montana's broader family child care provider network and have opportunities to meet and learn from peers across the state. These relationships will strengthen your business and level of care through shared experiences, problem-solving, and mutual support.
Advocacy & Representation
We advocate in Montana state for family child care issues, participate in statewide coalitions and advisory councils, and keep you updated on legislation and policy changes affecting your business. Through MFCN, Montana's family child care providers have a seat at the table where decisions are made.
Professional Development & Conferences
Each spring, MFCN hosts our Annual Conference, bringing together Montana providers for training, networking, and skill-building. Our members also receive access to the MTAEYC Annual Conference and connections to statewide training opportunities through our partner organizations.
NAFCC Accreditation Support
NAFCC accreditation is the national mark of quality for family child care that demonstrates your commitment to excellence. MFCN provides guidance and mentorship from Sheryl Hutzenbiler, NAFCC Accreditation Council Member and 2024 NAFCC Accredited Educator of the Year, to support you through the NAFCC accreditation process. As a member, we can also connect you to scholarship opportunities to help cover costs.
Resources & Support
MFCN connects you to Montana's early childhood ecosystem, including partners like SPARK MT, MTECP, RaiseMT, and Montana Advocates for Children. We help you access business development resources, navigate licensing and QRIS requirements, and find the regulatory information and support you need to run a successful family child care program.
Join Today
MFCN membership is open to Montana's early childhood professionals, including family child care providers, group child care providers, and early childhood educators.
Invest in your professional growth today for just $45/year!
Once you have joined MFCN, we recommend joining our national umbrella organization, the National Association for Family Child Care. This will unlock another level of benefits and representation on the national scale. Learn more below.
Recommended: NAFCC Membership
Join NAFCC for National Benefits and Accreditation Savings.
While MFCN membership provides Montana-specific support, we strongly recommend that all members also join the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC). Here's what NAFCC membership offers:
- Significant accreditation cost savings.
- National resources and professional development
- National-level representation.
Together, MFCN and NAFCC memberships give you the best of both worlds: Montana-specific support and community combined with national resources and recognition. For $85 per year total ($45 MFCN + $40 NAFCC), you gain comprehensive support for your professional growth.