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Finding satisfactory childcare can be one of the most important, time-consuming, and stressful tasks parents face. Thankfully, there is Child Care Resources (CCR)—the only non-profit agency in King County with the sole focus of serving families looking for childcare and childcare providers. The agency offers families a comprehensive database of King County childcare providers. “A lot of people don’t realize that not all childcare providers are in the phone book. Child care centers are, but small home-based providers are not,” says Nina Auerbach, CCR’s Chief Executive Officer. CCR’s database, which can be accessed online or over the phone and contains over 2,000 childcare providers. It includes information about the providers’ programs, cost, and transportation. There is a nominal fee to access the database, but CCR will reduce or waive the fee for low-income families. In addition, the agency provides very thorough checklists online at no cost. The checklists contain “lots of information about the kinds of questions you should ask and red flags you should look for,” says Auerbach. “We try to educate parents.” CCR also offers a wealth of services to licensed child care providers. The agency provides training, classes, one-on-one consultation and coaching, grants to help providers start or improve programs, a phone line where providers can get assistance, and resource centers which offer curriculum, books and tapes. “We are really there to serve providers in any way that they need,” says Auerbach. Informal child care providers, such as a family’s relatives, friend or neighbors, can also receive support from agencies supported by CCR. The agency works with community based organizations to offer about 60 Play and Learn Groups throughout King County in 14 different languages. These groups are facilitated by early childhood experts and include a structured and informal playtime for the children. Caregivers receive information about how to help the kids learn and grow. If you are a parent looking for childcare, or a provider wanting services and support, check out the Child Care Resources website. |
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