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.
A graphic shows a picture of a mother and her children, a map of California, and three questions about R & Rs, with answers. On the left, the mother is shown with an infant in her arms and a child standing next to the mother. The mother is saying, “Wherever you are, there are resources in your area!” To her right is a map of the state of California. To the right of the map are three questions and answers.
Question 1: What are resource and referral agencies? Answer: Child care resource and referral agencies
Question 2: Where are they located? Answer: All over California!
Question 3: What do they offer? Answer: Free resources and key information
Find your local child care resource and referral agency
A graphic shows four rectangular boxes, each with text and a picture.
Box 1 shows a map of California and says, “Select your county from the map to display its R and R website and contact information.”
Box 2 shows a picture of a telephone and says, “You can also call 1-800-KIDS-793 (1-800-543-7793) to locate an R & R in your area.”
Box 3 shows a picture of a magnifying glass and says, “Once you’ve found your local R and R website, use the child care search tool to find child care programs in your area. The website may refer you to call a phone counselor to assist you by phone.”
Box 4 shows a picture of a clipboard with a checklist on it and says, “With the child care list from your local R and R, plan and schedule to visit the programs in person.”
Elements of quality to consider when looking for child care
A graphic shows a picture of a family with four questions in rectangles surrounding them. The family consists of a mother holding an infant girl and a father holding the hand of a toddler boy. Their dog is sitting next to them.
Rectangle 1 asks, “What do they like to do with children?”
Rectangle 2 asks, “What are their feelings about discipline?”
Rectangle 3 asks, “How do they handle naps, eating, toilet training?”
Rectangle 4 asks, “How would they handle an emergency?”
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: This printable list is available via the Collaboration in Common link given above; once this digital library, see the PDF file in your browser for 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: https://rrnetwork.org/family-services/choosing-child-care