Families need trusted information to make the best choices about child care. Your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency can give you a personalized referral for child care providers near you.  

What are Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies?

Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies are a bridge between families and providers. They offer free, community-centered support in every California county. The agencies help families: 

• Learn about child care options.
• Find local providers that meet their needs.
• Connect to programs that can help them afford care. 

Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies also support providers around licensing, building businesses, and developing child care skills. 

What is a Child Care Referral?

A Child Care Referral is a list of child care providers that meets preferences set out by the family. The family can contact providers on the list and learn more about the child care services provided and choose which ones to interview. It is important to note that referrals are not recommendations, and they do not guarantee placement or priority for placement with a child care provider.   

How Can I Get a Child Care Referral?

The first step is to contact your local Resource and Referral Agency. Visit MyChildCarePlan.org or rrnetwork.org/findchildcare and enter your zip code to find an agency near you. 

When you connect with your local agency, a specialist will talk to you about your child care needs. These might include:

• Children’s ages
• Schedule
• Location
• Type of care provider
• Subsidy programs accepted
• Special needs services offered

Child care specialists will use this information to generate a list of providers in your area that meet your specific needs.

What Other Services Can I Get From a Child Care Specialist?

Specialists may also help you understand and navigate the child care system. They can tell you about types of child care, what to look for in a provider, where to find a licensing history, and more. Specialists can help you learn what subsidy programs you might be eligible for and how to apply. They can also connect you with other programs and services that might help you and your family.

What Does it Mean if a Provider is “Accepting Referrals” or “Not Accepting Referrals?”

Accepting Referrals: The child care provider is sharing their contact information (phone number and/or email address) through their Resource and Referral Agency and on their MyChildCarePlan.org profile. 

Not Accepting Referrals: The provider has an active license but is not currently sharing their contact information for referrals through their Resource and Referral Agency or on MyChildCarePlan.org.

Why Would a Provider Not Accept Referrals?

There are several reasons that a provider may be listed as not accepting referrals. These include:

• New providers: Recently licensed child care providers may not have filled out their referral profile. New providers should contact their local Resource and Referral Agency to make sure they have their information.
• No vacancies: Some programs already have a long waitlist of families that want to enroll. They may choose not to accept referrals to cut down on calls when they have no open slots.
• Licensing issues: Rarely, a child care program may not take referrals because of health and safety concerns from Community Care Licensing. You can check the history of any licensed facility using this online search tool. 

How Much Do Child Care Referrals Cost?

Child care referrals are a public service, funded by the California Department of Social Services. They are free for any person who requests them, regardless of their income.

How Can Child Care Programs Sign Up to Accept Referrals?

Child care providers should contact their local Resource and Referral Agency. The agency will save their information to share with families through referrals and on MyChildCarePlan.org.