Childcare provides critical support to the Montana economy, allowing parents of young children to participate in the labor force and preparing the future generation of workers through high-quality early childhood education. Licensed childcare capacity has been consistently undersupplied despite its essential role in supporting the statewide workforce. In 2022, licensed childcare capacity met only 43% of estimated demand. This article explores the supply and demand for childcare in Montana and the workforce impacts of this persistent undersupply. (author abstract)