KidsLINK opens registration in Bozeman area as families plan childcare

"We're off to work. And so, our son then is going to school, gets out at 3:30 and immediately just funnels into the KidsLINK program," said Casey Dudley, a KidsLINK parent. 

Greater Gallatin United Way reported the program had grown over the last 30 years as more families looked for after-school care. They now have around 1,200 students enrolled annually, and have also expanded to offer summer programming, PIR days and spring break camp. 

"This program continues to grow each year as the need for working families grows. So, we see an increase in kids every single school year," said Kim Hall of Greater Gallatin United Way. 

The need is especially clear in Gallatin County. According to the Northern Rocky Mountain Economic District, about 65% of two-parent households in the county had two working parents. 

Statewide, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry reported that about half of Montana counties qualified as a childcare desert. The department also reported that about 64,000 parents were not able to work full-time because they lacked childcare access. 

For some families, the KidsLINK a major gap in support. 

"We don't have like the grandparents or the aunts and uncles to lean into. So having the KidsLINK program was fundamental to our existence here. We've said a couple of times over the years, like, we don't know how we would we would be able to pull it off," Dudley said. 

Hall explained that KidsLINK uses an inquiry-based approach and offers structured STEAM and literacy activities, play and guest presenters. The program also focused on academic support and social-emotional development. 

"Our goal is to help support the school system academically, but also social emotional learning and development for kids during this really, really critical period in their time of growth," Hall said. 

Dudley said those activities were a big part of why the program works for his family. 

"He's doing fun activities with his buddies. And sometimes that's, you know, playing football, but a lot of arts and crafts. He also gets really excited when a guest speaker come in," Dudley said. 

KidsLINK is available at elementary schools across southwest Montana and at some middle schools, including Bozeman, Belgrade, Big Sky, Three Forks and West Yellowstone districts, and other area schools. Greater Gallatin United Way said grants and donors helped keep the program as affordable as possible and that financial aid was available. 

"Most families do qualify for something and we want to make it affordable. We don't want it to be a choice for families based on price to go to after school," Hall said. 

Families can learn more and register through Greater Gallatin United Way.