July 2024

CHOTEAU COMMUNITY RALLIES TOGETHER

CHOTEAU COMMUNITY RALLIES TOGETHER

The Choteau Youth Alliance (CYA) was formed in 2023.

ChoteauYouthAlliance.org

Made up of a diverse and committed group of partners and parents, CYA provides a variety of resources for Choteau families, including a daytime child care program, after-school care, early childhood education, and enrichment programs like summer camp.

With a strong focus on early childhood development, CYA plays a vital role in building a solid foundation for the children of Choteau – enabling parents to pursue their careers with peace of mind. 

An educator at the Choteau Youth Alliance gives a child a high five
An educator at the Choteau Youth Alliance gives a child a high five

THE CHALLENGE

Supply & Demand

Like so many Montana towns, Choteau was struggling to balance child care supply with community demand – leaving many parents with an inability to find safe and accessible child care.

Road Blocks

Though the issue had been talked about for years, even resulting in a small group of advocates forming in 2019, the community continued to face numerous roadblocks in their efforts.

  • funding
  • bringing together the right partners
  • finding the ideal location
  • ensuring accessibility for families
  • improving on the quality of care provided
0%
of Montana Counties

are considered child care deserts, areas where 66% of children in working parent households cannot access licensed child care.

0
of Montana Parents

are currently not fully participating in the labor force due to the lack of child care.

Watch to Learn More About this Success Story

THE SOLUTION

Pairing the right partners with the right resources.

THE SOLUTION

Pairing the right partners with the right resources.

Watch to Learn More About this Success Story

COMMUNITY

After years of inaction and fizzled momentum, Katie Adams (an involved parent and member of the school board), ignited a new kind of child care movement – one that was dependent not on the individual but the entire community.

PROGRAM

Empowered and encouraged by MCCBC’s cohort program, Katie helped rally together local businesses, community organizations, and concerned citizens to launch Choteau Youth Alliance.

MISSION

Driven by a cohesive mission, CYA pooled their resources and worked alongside MCCBC to build the foundation for a successful child care business in their beloved town.
Katie Adams, President, Choteau Youth Alliance

As a small community like Choteau, we knew that instead of splintering off, it was time to come together and pool our resources.

Katie Adams, President, Choteau Youth Alliance

STEPS TO SUCCESS

Establishing a dedicated team

From a kindergarten teacher and a health director to local business owners, CYA broadened its reach and balanced its workload by bringing together a diverse group of individuals – all offering different (and necessary) skills and resources. 

Conducting a needs assessment

To better understand the needs of their community and identify the gaps in child care, CYA conducted multiple needs assessments – resulting in a response that shifted their business model entirely.  

Creating community partnerships

In collaborating with local organizations, businesses, and schools, CYA was able to tap into additional funding, gather donations, find qualified staff, and expand their services. They even secured a business location by collaborating with the Lutheran church who donated space! 

Seeking out financial assistance

Choteau Youth Alliance secured two grants to kick-start their work – one through MCCBC’s Community Capacity Building cohort for $5,000 and another from a local CCR&R agency for $3,000. They also rallied the community and fundraised another $30,000 to cover the first six months of business operations! 

PROGRESS

When you bring together the right partners with the right connections, and pair them with the right resources –
a lot can happen. Take a look!

A brand-new child care facility

15 additional child care slots

New nonprofit business serving community

3 new jobs providing employment

Countless collaborations & connections

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Form a committed and diverse team

  • Seek community partnerships and collaboration

  • Encourage parental engagement 

  • Showcase community commitment

Our parents really do appreciate the fact that it’s easy and comforting for their kids to be here.

Heather Johnson, Daycare Director, Choteau Youth Alliance

TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP

Community Consultation

Let’s talk about the opportunities
in your community.

SHELBY WHELAN
Community Navigator

One-on-One Business Support

Best for individual entrepreneurs
and current child care providers.

JASON NITSCHKE
Senior Child Care Business Advisor