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Find quality child care that fits your family's needs
31 articles
Start Your Child Care Search
Everything you need to know about finding and connecting with quality childcare providers, and ensuring your child's care needs are met.
How do I create an account?Get started on your child care search by creating your free account.
How do I search for child care?Find licensed child care providers that match your family's needs.
How do I create a child care plan?
How do I save a list of providers?
Why Can't I Find a Child Care Program on My Child Care Plan?Can't find a specific child care program in your search? Learn why programs might not appear in My Child Care Plan search results.
Understanding Child Care Options
Learn about different types of care and safety standards
What are the different types of care to choose from?
What is the difference between Family Child Care Homes and Centers?
What is a license-exempt provider?
How can I tell if a provider is Licensed?
How do I check the background of the caregiver?
How do I learn more about a child care provider?
Have the providers listed on this website been background checked?
How comprehensive are provider background checks?
Child Care Interview QuestionsThis article recommends questions to ask during child care provider interviews, and stresses checking licensing status and policies.
Quality Care & Safety
Understanding quality ratings and reporting concerns
What is Oliver’s Law?Oliver’s Law gives California parents the right to get the licensing history of any licensed child care program.
What is Quality Counts California?
What is the current supply and demand for child care in California?
How do I file a complaint?
Using My Child Care Plan
Get help with technical questions and site features
Why can't I see full street addresses?
Why are there no providers showing up when I do the zip code search?
How is the database updated?
How do I share resources articles?
Choosing Child Care StepsArticle guides parents to find quality child care in seven steps.
Get Involved
Connect with advocacy and community resources
What is Parent Voices?
How do I get involved in community organizing or advocating for Child Care in the state of California?
About My Child Care Plan
Learn about our organization and contact us
How do I contact My Child Care Plan?
Does My Child Care Plan make a profit or take a percentage of the providers’ earnings?