If You Need Missoula Child Care This is Great News

For years, it's been tough to find consistent child care in Missoula. It's only gotten more difficult given the employment and economic pressures that have developed over the past 3-years.

Well, there IS some good news, with the Missoula Family YMCA bringing its new child care center online this coming week.

The center is one of the key accomplishments of the Y's multi-million dollar upgrades as part of the Here for Good campaign.

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A new center means new opportunities to help

The "Phylis Washington Early Childcare Center will open to families on Monday, July 1st. It's located just north of the Y's main campus and will offer childcare options for kids 5 and up.

“One of the best ways to set children up for future success is through early education child care programs," said Heather Foster, CEO of Missoula Family YMCA. ' The Y has been a champion of quality, affordable child care for more than 20 years, and we’re committed to addressing our community’s need for reliable child care options."

Foster says the new center allows the agency to increase the number of children served through the program and increase efficiency by bringing the program under one roof. There will be five classrooms, a dedicated kitchen, and a therapy room.

Photo courtesy Missoula Family YMCA

A gift from the Washington Family

When the Washington Family came forward with a major donation in 2023, it was also announced the center would be named for Phyllis Washington, who along with her husband Dennis, has been a big supporter of the YMCA over the years.

Foundation Director Mike Halligan says the Washington Foundation was proud to support the project because it's consistent with the foundation's mission and priorities on early childhood education.

“This expansion will take an already successful program and make it more available to the families and children in need in the Missoula area," Halligan said.

More improvements coming

Open the child care center completes Phase 1 of the improvement campaign. The next two phases will include the new aquatic center, youth gym, lobby, drop-in child care center, and locker rooms. The YMCA has raised over $ 16 million for the project and is working to secure an additional $ 3 million.