Childcare Options for Babies and Toddlers

There are resources to help you locate high-quality providers. Almost all medium to large cities have information networks that can give you lists of licensed childcare providers including their qualifications, experience, and availability. Child Care Aware has a help number that you can call to get a referral to a local agency providing networking services (800-424-2246). Suburban and urban newspapers carry advertisements for childcare providers. Local agencies (both non-profit and for-profit) often serve as brokers helping to link up providers and purchasers of childcare services. The fee for these brokers can exceed $100 even with non-profit agencies. Some employers assist employees by paying the fee.