Starting Your Child Care Search
Finding child care can be a difficult task, whether you are a new parent, recently moved to a new area, or wondering what options are available to you and your family. The good news is that there are number of resources to help you find and choose a child care provider. Click below to learn about steps you should take during your child care search. If you need assistance or have a question, please call 1-800-424-2246.
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Get a Child Care List
Your local Child Care and Resource Referral agency, or CCR&R, can help you find the right child care for you and your family. They will talk to you about the different types of child care providers in your area, ask you questions about your child care needs and create a list of child care providers for you to contact.
Get started by searching for your local Child Care and Resource Referral (CCR&R) agency, and contact them to request a list.
When talking to your local CCR&R agency, ask the following questions:
What are the child care licensing requirements in my area?How can I find a copy of the health and safety inspection reports?Is there a quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) in my area, and which providers have joined? What do the different levels on QRIS mean?Which providers in my area are nationally accredited?How can I find out if my family might qualify for any child care financial assistance programs? -
Do Your Homework
Once you have a list of child care providers that meet your needs, do a little research on each one before you call or visit. Look for or ask about the following information to see what standards a child care provider is following.
Licensing Report and Health and Safety Inspections
Child care inspection reports tell you when a licensed child care provider was visited by a state licensing agent, what types of health and safety violations were noted during the visit, and how those violations were corrected. Visit our State by State Resource Map and click on your state to find out how to access child care inspections where you live. Most states make inspection reports available online. If you need help understanding the information in the inspection reports, your local CCR&R agency can help.
Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)
Quality ratings through a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) are another tool for you to use in selecting a child care provider. Providers earn an initial rating when they meet certain quality standards. Providers then earn higher ratings as they meet more quality standards. In some states, QRIS is mandatory for licensed child care providers or for those that receive state subsidies. In other states, participation in QRIS is voluntary. Learn more about your state's QRIS by clicking your state on the State by State Resource Map.
National Accreditation Information
Some child care programs reach higher quality standards by becoming nationally accredited. National accreditation is a voluntary process for child care providers. Providers that choose to become accredited have to show that they meet requirements above and beyond state licensing requirements. You can ask your local CCR&R agency if any providers in your area have reached this level. -
Call Providers
Call the providers that interest you and set up a visit. Ask questions over the phone to make sure you are visiting providers that meet your needs.
Logistical Considerations
- Does the provider have space for my child?
- What are the provider’s hours of operation?
- Is the provider location convenient for me?
- What are the program costs?
- Are there any discounts or scholarships available?
- Does the provider participate in a child care assistance program?
Why is this important? You want to make sure the provider you choose is affordable and accessible to your family. Asking straight-forward, specific questions will help you determine whether or not to consider this provider. There are programs available to help pay for child care if your family qualifies.While we always recommend that you visit any child care provider or program you’re considering, sometimes a visit is just not possible. If you need child care right away and don’t have time to take a tour, our checklist for Choosing Quality Child Care on Short Notice has questions to ask over the phone before making your decision.
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Take the Tour
Use a checklist to help you make the right choice for your family. Ask the child care provider for references and ask questions about other families’ experiences with the program.
When touring the child care provider, use your five senses:
SIGHT: Do you see providers engaged with children? Do you see children actively playing with each other and the provider? Do you see any health and safety concerns? Do you see that there are enough materials for the children to play with?SOUND: Do you hear a “buzz” in the child care setting, where teachers are talking in warm, positive tones to the children? Do you hear providers using respectful language?TASTE: How does the food that is served to the children look in appearance and how does it taste?TOUCH: Do you see physical affection between teachers and children, such as hugging, pats on the head, children sitting on provider’s laps, or any other types of positive touch?SMELL: Is there a pleasant smell in the child care setting? Can you smell perfume, smoke, or any other odor that might be unpleasant for your child?Resources
