Steps To Take When You Can’t Find Child Care

Having trouble finding child care even after looking for a while? Start with visiting your state’s child care website and contacting your child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agency for a list of child care options. Over 400 local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies across the United States exist so it’s a good place to start.

If you are still having trouble, check out the list below.

  • Stay in touch with your CCR&R agency. Ask for help finding options that might work for you.

  • Talk to friends, neighbors and people at your work or school, place of worship or community center. Has anyone faced the same challenge? How did they find appropriate care?

  • Discuss your child care needs with your employer and with co-workers. If many of you are having the same difficulties, your employer needs to know.

  • Make a short-term plan for child care, but don’t give up until you find the kind of care you are looking for.

  • Get on the waiting list at every program that would work for you. Sometimes, openings come up unexpectedly. Waiting lists may be shorter than anticipated, so don’t let a long-projected wait keep you from getting on a list.

  • Be sure you’ve considered all the types of child care that may be available to you.

  • If you have any questions about finding and selecting child care, contact your state child care resource and referral agency. 

Source: The Administration for Children & Families: childcare.gov