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By Katie Ussin

Story Published: Jan 7, 2009 at 7:20 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2009 at 5:50 PM MST

BILLINGS - A 27-year-old Shepherd woman faces felony criminal endangerment charges; accused of leaving her one and two year old children home alone while she was at work.
Finding appropriate and affordable childcare can be a challenge for any parent, especially if the budget is tight. mary Mary Gilluly, executive director of the Family Tree Center in Billings, said that is where the Human Resource Development Council steps in.
"HRDC has a childcare resource and referral program and through HRDC you can get childcare assistance, monetary assistance, if you're a low-income parent and having difficulties making ends meet," said Gilluly.
"It's really hard to get that paid for," said Jessie Gosman.
The HRDC helps Gosman with childcare expenses for her 11-month-old son so she is able to work and attend classes.
"Through the HRDC I have a co-pay of $110 per month and on my own it would be $540 a month," said Gosman.
Gilluly said parents should know their childcare options and not be afraid to ask for help.
"We would all hope that as parents that we could find a childcare option that we feel good about and sometimes that's really tough and it doesn't matter if you're low-income or high-income," she said.
Gilluly added that it is important for parents to know where their kids are at developmentally and recognize that infants and toddlers need constant supervision.
The phone number for the HRDC is (406) 247-4732.
The Family Tree Center also provides family advocates to help parents navigate the process of finding childcare.


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