Montana Guardian Program
Supporting communities during emergencies
The Guardian Program is a network of licensed Montana child care programs committed to supporting their communities during emergencies. These programs agree to remain operational, when safely able to do so, to help provide child care for first responders and other essential workers responding to a crisis.
By participating, child care providers play a critical role in maintaining essential services and supporting community recovery efforts throughout Montana.
What is a Guardian Program?
A Guardian Program is a licensed Montana child care program that has completed additional emergency preparedness requirements and committed to supporting child care needs during emergencies. Guardian Programs help ensure that families serving their communities during times of crisis have access to reliable child care when it is needed most.
Program Requirements
To participate, programs must:
Hold a current Montana child care license and remain in good standing.
Sign the Guardian Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Complete initial emergency preparedness training.
Complete annual emergency preparedness training updates.
Maintain adequate emergency supplies as required by licensing regulations.
Benefits of participation
Guardian Programs receive:
Emergency preparedness training and guidance.
Access to emergency planning resources.
Recognition as an essential community service.
Opportunities to support local emergency response efforts.
Potential insurance discounts.
Become a Guardian Program
Interested in joining? Programs can complete the Guardian Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and submit it to the SPARK Montana Help Desk for review.
Signed MOU for Guardian Program 2026 (fillable, PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does joining the Guardian Program mean I must stay open during every emergency?
No. Joining the Guardian Program does not obligate a program to provide care during every emergency. The program is designed to build a network of prepared providers who may be available to support their communities during times of need. Each provider determines whether they can participate in a specific emergency response based on safety, staffing, available resources, and their own circumstances. Providers may opt out at any time.
Who are essential workers?
Essential workers may include first responders, health care personnel, emergency management staff, and others identified during an emergency response.
Is additional training required?
Yes. Guardian Programs complete initial and annual emergency preparedness training.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to participate.
Why should I be in this program?
Participation in the program enables better preparation in the event of an emergency and serves the needs of your community.
Does this program cost anything?
There is no cost to be part of the program, however it may be necessary to have additional emergency supplies available to meet the needs of a situation. Spark Montana can help you create a plan and find resources for supplies. Sites such as FEMA (federal emergency management agency) , Red Cross and CCAoA (Childcare Aware of America) have resources and supplies. Local EP organizations may also be able to provide supplies to child care facilities.
Do I have to take the training to stay in the program?
Yes, initial training is required to be part of the program and then annual on-going training is also required. The purpose is to keep you prepared and confident to respond and to gain additional information around emergency preparedness. Annual training will change each year with relevant topics for increased knowledge around emergency preparedness. All Guardian Program training counts towards the required 16 hours of licensing training.
How will I know if I need to be activated? What if I am unable to activate when asked?
Spark Montana is responsible for activation of any Guardian Program when needed. Participation in the program is voluntary, and the MOU is not a binding contract, so if a program is unable to activate there is no penalty. In addition your Spark Montana TA or other emergency committee member remains in touch with you throughout the emergency, can offer support, and is there to access and resume normal activity after the incident.
Questions about the program?
Reach out to the SPARK Montana Help Desk for help finding a Guardian Program or getting started.