Childcare

Your childcare search can start with a few clear questions. This page helps you organize them; it is not a directory of verified providers.

Find the right local starting point

Visit ChildCare.gov for guidance and state resources. Child Care Aware of America can help you explore care options and connect with local child care resource and referral support. Confirm a program’s current licensing and inspection information with your state or territory.

Before you make the first call

• Write down the care hours you need, including commute time.
• Choose a start-date range and ask about waiting lists.
• List your monthly budget, possible fees, and backup-care plan.
• Consider location, transportation, language preferences, and accessibility needs.

Questions for a call or tour

1. What ages do you serve, and do you currently have space for my child’s age group?
2. What is your license or registration information, and where can I view inspection reports?
3. How many children and caregivers are usually in this room? How is coverage handled when someone is absent?
4. What training do staff complete, and how do you support new staff?
5. How do you communicate with families during a normal day and when something unexpected happens?
6. What are your written routines for feeding, sleep, illness, emergencies, and authorized pickup?
7. How do you accommodate individual needs and communicate changes with parents?
8. What does tuition include? Ask about deposits, late pickup, closures, supplies, and notice requirements.
9. How do you help a child and parent settle into a new routine?
10. Can I see the spaces my child would use and ask follow-up questions after this visit?

Compare after the visit

Use the same categories for every option: availability, location, hours, communication, routines, total cost, and questions still unanswered. Take your time with anything that needs clarification, and request written policies before making a commitment.

For additional visit prompts, use ChildCare.gov’s Look, Listen, and Ask tip sheets. Provider availability, licensing, and fees must be checked directly with the appropriate source.