Child Care Resource and Referral agencies can help you find child care
Local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (R&Rs) are located in every county and provide a variety of services to parents and families seeking child care, to providers seeking professional development, and to communities seeking support for young children.
Find your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency
1-Select your county from the map to display its R&R website and contact information. 2-You can also call 1-800-KIDS-793 (1-800-543-7793) to locate an R&R in your area. [Click to link to county page via graphic] 3-Once you’ve found your local R&R website, use the child care search tool to find child care programs in your area. The website may refer you to a counselor to assist you by phone. 4-With the child care list from your local R&R, plan and schedule to visit the programs in person.
Elements of quality to consider when looking for child care
Try the following approach to help refine your child care search
Download a printable version of this list via the Quality Counts California resource library. A reminder, once in the library, to click on the green button that says “view original” to see the PDF file in your browser to download or print.
1. Interview and observe potential providers with the child.
2. Ask potential providers:
3. Ask a lot of “what if” questions, for example:
4. Check references, work history, and licensing information
5. Trust your instincts! Hire someone you like and feel safe and comfortable with.
6. Communicate with your provider.
Adapted from: http://www.rrnetwork.org/child_care_quality