Child Care Aware is a program of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA).

Child Care Aware operates a national toll-free information line (1-800-424-2246) and website that connects families to child care information and referrals through local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies. Child Care Aware also provides families with a growing collection of free child care related publications and materials.

Yes. All Child Care Aware services and support are available in both English and Spanish. Also, if a family speaks a language other than English and Spanish, via the toll-free number we have access to a language line in which we can get a translator.

There are over 850 Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies throughout the country that provide families with information about local child care options and parenting resources. Parents can also learn about financial assistance options, provider licensing and regulations and more.

In addition, CCR&Rs meet a need that no one else does-providing the bridge between parents, providers, community leaders, and policy makers.

The Quality Assurance Program is a national, voluntary, quality assurance system for community CCR&R agencies. This program is designed to ensure that families across the county have access to consistent, high quality consumer education and referral services. Quality Assured CCR&Rs voluntarily meet national standards for the delivery of high quality consumer education and referral.

Our goal is to make sure that families receive a high level of service regardless of their location.

No. Most CCR&R agencies serve one or more counties. Although the CCR&R may be located in a city that is different from the zip code or county you entered, you will still be able to receive information about child care options in the area you specified.

With over 850 CCR&Rs across the country, CCR&Rs are in nearly every community. Call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246 if a CCR&R is not listed for your area.

The Most CCR&Rs do not charge fees. However, CCR&Rs that do charge fees usually offer a sliding fee scale. This means that families are charged a fee based on their ability to pay. When you contact your CCR&R, ask if there is a fee involved with their services or check out the details icon on the CCR&R page.

An increasing number of CCR&Rs have taken the steps to provide parents with online referrals. Take a look at the detail section of the CCR&R in your area to find out if this option is available.

Your local CCR&R has information about local, state, and government grants, tax credits and scholarships that may be able to help you meet the cost of child care. Also, take a moment to read Finding Help Paying for Child Care for general information about the types of financial assistance available.

First, take a moment to review the following questions found on the CCR&Rs profile:

• What are the licensing requirements in my area?
• What are the recommended national standards for ratio (number of children per adult) and group size (number of children in one room) for my child’s age?
• What are the recommended national standards for early childhood teacher qualifications?
• How can I get more information about complaints and licensing violations?
• Are there any financial assistance programs that my family qualifies for?

Second, write down any other questions you have about the type of care you are looking for.

Third, review the Child Care Aware publications that relate to your child care needs. Free publications can be sent to you by mail through our Publications page, or downloaded and printed. Each brochure includes a convenient checklist that you can use to evaluate each child care option.

Fourth, contact your local CCR&R and discuss each of your questions. Your referral counselor will provide you with additional tools to help you interview and select a provider, and other materials to help you make a more informed decision about child care.

At any time during your child care search, please feel free to contact Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246 or via email with your questions, comments or concerns/complaints.

It’s important that the child care provider you choose meets your expectations, and provides a warm, nurturing and educational environment for your child. If you are not happy with the providers you have been given, make another call to your local CCR&R and request a second set of providers that fit your criteria.

Child Care Aware lists the contact information of Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies and not individual child care centers or providers. CCR&Rs maintain a database of providers in their service area. Contact your local CCR&R for information about how you can be added to their list. If you need help locating your local agency, call 1-800-424-2246 or enter your zip code in the online search tool.

This type of information is maintained through your state licensing department. Visit our State Licensing page to find the one in your area. Your local CCR&R can also tell you whether your provider is licensed or certified.

Child Care Aware provides its publication to families who contact us directly at no cost. Organizations and businesses may also purchase brochures. For more information about Child Care Aware publications, please visit our Publications Page.