GFDA Releases Childcare Market Assessment
of Great Falls Workforce Commute Shed
We are pleased to announce the release of the 2026 Great Falls Childcare Feasibility Study. This report provides current data on childcare capacity, workforce needs, and gaps that impact employers and working families across our region. Download the study.
Childcare is one of the priorities in GFDA’s 2026-2028 Economic Development Strategy. Our goal is to increase the availability of quality childcare to enable more parents and guardians to be employed. The availability of quality childcare is a key determinant of participation in the workforce.
Key Findings
The report has 10 key findings:
- Childcare access constrains workforce participation and household stability.
- Staffing availability, not licensed capacity, limits access.
- Affordability constrains both family access and provider feasibility.
- Childcare demand in Great Falls will remain steady, not surge.
- Activating existing capacity is more feasible than building new supply.
- Demand is strongest — and constraints are toughest — in infant and preschool care.
- Nontraditional schedules signal unmet demand and operational risk.
- Location within the City of Great Falls and affordability are critical to feasibility.
- Employer-supported childcare works best through partnerships.
- Small and home-based providers are critical but structurally vulnerable.
Recommendations
The report has 7 pillar recommendations and strategies:
1) Prioritize, strengthen and stabilize the childcare workforce.
2) Reduce provider risk to activate and sustain capacity.
3) Expand flexible and nontraditional care options through partnerships.
4) Improve affordability while supporting provider sustainability.
5) Leverage employer participation through scalable, shared models.
6) Address military-affiliated childcare needs through targeted provider support.
7) Support system coordination and provider resilience.
Camoin Associates, which conducted the assessment, will present their findings and recommendations at the GFDA Board & Council meeting next Thursday, March 5, 8:00 AM in Heritage Hall at Great Falls College or via Zoom. Here is the Meeting Agenda with the Zoom login and here are the Presentation Slides. GFDA Board and Council meetings are always open to the public.
GFDA has a variety of resources and services to support childcare providers, as well as connections to childcare support organizations. Contact Rich Gannon for business planning and advising support at RGannon@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-836-2078. Contact Shandi Gebhardt Jones for financing support at Shandi@GrowGreatFalls.org or 1-406-590-9037.
Thank you to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for providing the funding that made this study possible. Thank you to the childcare providers, parents, partner organizations and employers who participated in the market assessment. And, as always, thank you to GFDA’s Investors whose support is indispensable to all our efforts!
