Finding Child Care
Finding Child Care can be Stressful for Parents
Finding child care can be stressful for parents – knowing what to ask, what to look for, who to trust, and how to compare options can feel overwhelming.
Post Information such as Maryland Family Network’s Tips for Choosing Child Care and list of questions to ask providers when searching for child care – near the Copy Machine, the Coffee Machine, or in the Lunch Room. Download a brief one pager that includes information about looking for child care and child care subsidies for low wage families.
Employer Quick Wins
Contact the local Child Care Resource Center
You can contact your local Child Care Resource Center. Find the local agency for your county and make the contact information (website, phone number, and location) available to parents.
Parents can speak to a child care specialist directly and receive a list of child care providers meeting family priorities for care. Or, you can provide a link to Child Care Resource Centers to parents and they can select their county’s agency.
Post Signs & Flyers
Post signs or flyers with links to LOCATE Child Care and the Maryland Family Network Checklist for Parents in places where employees regularly gather such as the copy machine or the lunch room. Post the Department of Education’s Parent’s Guide to Regulated/Licensed Child Care.
Reduce Parent Stress
Do families need help finding child care for a child with special needs? Do they need child care during non-traditional hours (like evenings or weekends)? Are parents looking for center-based care, home-based care or, an after-school program? LOCATE Child Care can help. They know all the options. They can work with families to help parents make informed decisions. Just call 877-261-0060.
Assist New Hires
If your business has a new hire packet, include a flyer to assist new employees in finding child care. If your business has families who are relocating, you can work with the Maryland Family Network to offer employees assistance in finding child care. Moving can be stressful enough, let parents know about LOCATE Child Care to best meets their needs.
Contact Your Local Child Care Resource Center
Contact your local Child Care Resource Center to ask if they would come to your business and conduct a "lunch & learn" with employees. CCRC specialists can offer a broad overview, talk about the services offered to parents, and respond to questions parents may have. Parents can also schedule a follow-up session if desired.