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Our Impact

Childcare as Community Infrastructure in Rural Montana

Where We Are

In Twin Bridges and the broader Ruby Valley, families, employers, and community services are closely linked. When one piece of infrastructure is missing, the effects are felt widely. Kid Country provides licensed, reliable care so that parents can work, employers can plan, and children can experience consistent early learning and relational support.

We serve children from Twin Bridges and the surrounding rural area, including families from Madison, Beaverhead, and Jefferson counties. That regional footprint reflects how one childcare program connects across county lines in rural settings where options are limited.

Impact at a Glance

Serving families from Madison, Beaverhead & Jefferson counties.

The only licensed childcare option in Twin Bridges.

Supporting children, working parents, and local employers.

Part of a rural school system in which ~45% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Strengthening workforce and community stability year-round.

Active community partner, supporting family-friendly events, early literacy, and intergenerational connection throughout the year.

For Children

Dependable early care gives children routine, familiarity, and trusted relationships with caregivers who know them well. These stable connections build confidence and support early development, preparing children for school and lifelong learning.

For Families & The Workforce

For parents and caregivers, licensed childcare is a foundation of daily life. Reliable care supports ongoing employment, helps families navigate work schedules and seasonal demands, and strengthens roots in the community. Kid Country’s role here supports participation in local jobs, from education and healthcare to agriculture, small business, and skilled trades, by supporting parents as contributors to the local economy.

For Employers & The Community

Local employers benefit when dependable childcare strengthens workforce stability and reduces turnover. Employees with reliable care are more likely to sustain work schedules, pursue professional growth, and contribute to the regional economy. Kid Country quietly but consistently supports this ecosystem in the Ruby Valley.

The Reality of The Work

Operating high-quality, licensed childcare in a rural setting involves careful coordination, staffing, and resources. Regulatory requirements are designed to protect children’s safety and development. At the same time, tuition covers part of the cost, but not all of it, in many rural communities. Community support helps bridge this gap so care remains stable, consistent, and accessible.

What Support Achieves

Community support enables Kid Country to:

Retain experienced, dedicated caregivers who build lasting relationships with children
Provide consistent routines that benefit families and children alike
Maintain accessible care that supports local work and life patterns
Respond thoughtfully to seasonal and operational needs with stability

Behind the Scenes

What it Takes to Run the Day Care Each Day

Operating Kid Country costs approximately $540 per day to provide licensed care, meals, staffing, and a safe learning environment for children.

Why support matters

Tuition helps cover part of this cost, but not all of it. Community support helps bridge the gap, so care remains stable, consistent, and accessible in a rural setting.

Why Childcare Costs What it Does

Childcare follows strict safety and staffing rules. At Kid Country, enrollment is limited by licensing and space, while many operating costs stay the same. Community support helps keep care steady within those limits.

Why Consistency Matters

Caring for young children is skilled, relational work that improves with time.

When staff are supported and retained, children benefit from deeper relationships, families experience continuity, and the program remains steady. Community support helps protect this consistency, allowing caregivers to do their work well and with pride.

If you’d like to help sustain this work, learn more about ways to support Kid Country.

Ways to Support Kid Country

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