Ekalaka Public Schools' in-house daycare a model for rural communities

Ekalaka Public Schools has taken a significant step towards addressing the critical need for quality childcare in rural communities. The district's in-house daycare, located within the elementary school building, opened its doors in August 2022.

This initiative was made possible by a $163,000 Child Care Innovation Grant, awarded to Ekalaka as one of only two public schools (alongside Browning) among 31 grantees across Montana. The grant funding spanned from September 2022 to August 2024.

Addressing a Pressing Need

The closure of the town's last daycare provider in May 2022 presented a signific...