How Search Works
When you search for a child care program by name, our system:
Uses the location you entered to find the area
Shows up to 15 programs within a 1-mile radius of that location
Displays results in random order for fairness to all providers
If you see results but not the program you want: Click "Next" to see more programs in that area, or try the solutions below.
Why the Program Isn't Showing Up
The Program Name Appears Under a Different Name
The most common reason! Programs are often listed under their official licensed name, which may be different from their business name.
Example: You search for "Sunshine Kids Daycare" but it's officially listed as "Jane Smith Family Child Care" in our database.
What happens: When you search "Sunshine Kids," the system shows programs near that location, but "Jane Smith Family Child Care" doesn't match that name, so you might not recognize it in your results.
The Search Found a Different Location
When you type a program name, the search uses Google Maps to find that location. Sometimes this can cause issues:
What can happen:
Google Maps finds a business with a similar name that isn't the child care program
The child care program doesn't have a Google Maps/Google Business listing set up
The search shows programs near the wrong location
What to try:
Search using the program's street address instead
Search by the city or neighborhood name, then look through all results
The Program Is Not Currently Active
Programs don't appear in search results if they have:
Closed permanently
License revoked
Temporary Suspension Order (TSO) - This means they cannot currently operate
Note: Programs on probation still appear in search results as long as they're operating.
What You Can Do
Option 1: Search by License Number (Most Reliable)
If you have the program's license number:
Use the main search bar
Enter the license number
This will take you directly to that program
Where to find license numbers:
Posted at the facility (required by regulation)
On the program's website or marketing materials
Ask the program directly
Option 2: Search by the Program's Address
If you know the program's street address:
Enter the full address in the search bar
Look through the results for the program name
Click "Next" to see additional programs if needed
Note: Family child care homes don't show exact locations on the map to protect provider privacy.
Option 3: Expand Your Search Area
Try searching with:
The city name instead of the program name
The neighborhood or area name
A nearby major intersection
Then use search filters to narrow down results by your needs (age, schedule, etc.)
Get Help Finding the Program
If You Have the Program's Location
Contact Our Support Team - We can help research the program for you:
Chat: Click the chat button on our website
Phone: 1-800-KIDS-793 (English and Spanish, Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm PT)
Email: [email protected]
Have ready:
Program name (even if unofficial)
Program address or cross streets
Any other details (phone number, website, etc.)
For Complete Child Care Search Assistance
Contact Your Local Resource & Referral (R&R) Agency
Your local R&R can:
Look up programs by name or location in their database
Provide the license number for any program
Verify if a program is currently licensed and operating
Offer personalized referrals based on your specific needs