CHOTEAU COMMUNITY RALLIES TOGETHER

CHOTEAU COMMUNITY RALLIES TOGETHER

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

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 Choteauenabling 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

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

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!

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