Daycares & Group Homes

Montana law requires that day care centers and group homes receive an annual local inspection from RiverStone Health Environmental Health Services as part of the state licensing process.  A day care center is defined as an out-of-home place in which day care is provided to 13 or more children on a regular basis. Group homes include, but are not limited to, community homes for developmentally disabled people and youth. 

We inspect day care centers and group homes for:

• solid waste management
• laundry procedures
• general housekeeping
• special requirements for children requiring cribs or diapers
• food preparation and handling
• nutrition
• swimming pool safety
• water and sewage system functions

We also investigate complaints related to day care centers and group homes in conjunction with MT DPHHS QAD staff. 

The Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services Quality Assurance Division (MT DPHHS QAD) inspects:

• Family day care homes (3 to 6 children)
• Group day care homes (7  to 12 children) 
• Nursing homes
• Retirement facilities
• Long-term care facilities
• Assisted living facilities