• What options do parents have for child care?
• How should parents search for a child care provider?
• What do I ask when visiting a child care facility?
• How much does child care cost, and can I get help paying for it?
• How can I be sure my caregiver provides quality care?

What options do parents have for child care?

Unlicensed Child Care

Play Groups and Parent Co-ops

In this type of child care, parents rotate the responsibility of caring for small groups of children. These operations are usually part time.

In Home Care

Child care in your own home for just your children

Exempt Child Care Providers

Individuals who provide care in their own home for the children of one family only.

Licensed Child Care

Child Care Centers

Facilities that provide care for large groups of children. Staffing ratio is one adult for every 12 children over 2 years old and one adult for every 4 children under 2 years old.

Family Child Care Homes

Private homes where an individual cares for small groups of children. The home may be licensed for up to 12 children, but staffing and enrollment maximums vary depending on the age of the children enrolled and the house size.

How should parents search for a child care provider?

1. Assess Your Needs

• Determine which days and hours you will need care
• Decide if location is important... near home, work, or school.
• Consider any special needs... diet, disability, etc.

2. Choose What Type of Care You Want

• Centers
• Family Day Care Homes
• Play Groups and Parent Co-ops
• In Home Care
• Exempt Child Care

For a description of the types of child care available, see "What options do parents have for child care?

3. Making Inquiries

• Review "What do I Ask About" below.
• Telephone several facilities.
• Ask questions about numbers of children, hours, background of child care provider, and cost. If you are satisfied, schedule a visit.
• Ask for references. Call several references.

4. The Visit

• Have the care giver meet your child.
• Assess the program.
• Observe the children and tour the facility.
• Review the contract and procedures with the provider.

5. Choosing a Care Giver

• Using the information you have gathered, evaluate and choose a care giver.

REMEMBER, trust your own feelings and judgements!

6. After Your Child Is Enrolled

• Talk with your child every day about his/her experiences
• Talk with the people who care for your child on a daily basis. Begin to share the parenting with your child care provider.
• Participate in your child's care in some way. Volunteer time for field trips, etc.
• Occasionally visit your child during the day.

Remember the word "CARE":   Caregiver · Area · Routine · Extra

If you need assistance paying for child care, please contact us at 530-272-8866 to request an Application for Subsidized Child Care. Once we receive your application, you will be placed on a waiting list. You will be contacted when we reach your name on the waiting list.

Keep in mind that a license is no guarantee of quality. It is your right and your responsibility to learn as much as possible about the caregiver and the environment that you are considering for your child. As a consumer, you need to evaluate programs and make an informed choice for your child. In general, California licensing regulations try to ensure that each home or center meets minimum health and safety standards. As a parent, you have the right to get information about any substantiated or inconclusive complaints about a child care provider that you select for your child. That information is public and you can get it by calling the local licensing office. The telephone number is 916-229-4530. If you choose a provider that is exempt from the licensing process, it is important to ask for references.