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Bill would let high-school juniors and seniors earn credit by working in childcare and congregate care
Summary
House Bill 381 would allow upper‑level high school students to work or volunteer in childcare and congregate-care settings and earn graduation credit; proponents said it would help workforce shortages, while no opponents testified in person.
Representative Ed Buttree introduced House Bill 381, which would permit juniors and seniors in public and private high schools to work or volunteer in childcare and congregate-care settings while receiving high‑school credit toward graduation.
Buttree said the proposal recognizes workforce shortages in childcare and congregate-care facilities and would let students gain career experience while earning credits. He noted the bill defines ‘‘congregate care’’ to include community care facilities, developmental-disabilities facilities, long‑term care and residential care settings.
Proponents from business and health sectors urged support. Kerry Hegreberg of the Montana Chamber of Commerce called the bill ‘‘good for business’’ and said getting young people into work and credit-bearing experiences helps recruitment. Heather O’Hara of the Montana Hospital Association and Rose Hughes of the Montana Healthcare Association said the measure could encourage future health professionals to pursue caregiving careers.
School administrators and advocates also supported the bill. Lance Melton of the Montana School Boards Association said the bill aligns with existing statutory authority for equivalency and would be a useful option for districts. The Boys & Girls Clubs and the Montana Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs highlighted small, existing programs where 20–30 high-school students already gain experience and recommended expanding eligibility. Melissa Winger of 0 to 5 Montana emphasized the program’s role in stabilizing childcare workforce and requested a yes vote.
An amendment to add ‘‘school-age programs’’ (after‑school programs such as Boys & Girls Clubs) was offered and supported by the sponsor and proponents. No opponents were recorded in the room. Representative Buttree closed the hearing and the bill will be considered in executive action.
If enacted, the bill supporters say it would create a pipeline for caregiving careers and provide additional staffing support for rural and other underserved areas.
