Choosing Childcare

For parents seeking child care, especially the first time, knowledge really IS power.
Child Care Action Council's goal is to provide accurate information about child care options, child care availability, licensing regulations, financial assistance programs and more, so you can make an informed decision in choosing quality child care.
Our trained Resource & Referral Team can search our computerized database, including over six hundred state licensed homes and centers in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties, and provide you with a list of potential openings. To request a search call 360.754.0810 or 800.845.0956 or click here to request a child care search electronically and get your referrals by email.


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What should I look for in a childcare provider?

The personality, skills, training and child caring philosophies of the people caring for your child are major factors determining the experience she or he will have each day.

Good quality childcare includes: caregivers who provide warm, loving age-appropriate guidance; trained and experiences caregivers; a safe, comfortable and healthy setting; small child-to-staff ratio and small group sizes; and, finally, activities and an environment designed to help children grow and learn mentally, physically, emotionally and socially.

For further information about finding quality child care download Child Care Action Council's Choosing Child Care booklet.

How do I find child care?

Child Care Action Council's trained Resource & Referral counselors will assist you in finding child care best suited to your needs. An in-depth interview helps determine the family's needs and preferences. A listing of providers is created through our computerized database which includes over six hundred state licensed homes and centers in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston Counties.

Contact the Resource & Referral team by calling 360.754.0810 or 800.845.0956 or click here to request a child care search electronically and get your referrals by email.

What if my child has special needs?

Most children, including those with disabilities and special needs, spend some time in a child care environment. In a quality child care environment, caregivers respond positively to differences in children’s abilities, interests and experiences.

Child Care Action Council's trained Resource & Referral counselors can assist you in finding quality care for your child with special needs. Contact the Resource & Referral team by calling 360.754.0810 or 800.845.0956 or click here to request a child care search electronically and get your referrals by email.

What if I can't afford child care?

WORKING CONNECTIONS:
The Working Connections Child Care Program helps low income families pay for child care expenses while the adults are working, looking for work, or in an approved training program. This program is funded by state and federal funds, and is administered by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Eligibility is determined by income.

 

TO APPLY:
Use the DSHS Trial Eligibility Calculator to determine if you are eligible for the WCCC or other DSHS programs. If you think you are, you can apply online.

 

COPAYMENT:
All Working Connections Child Care families are required to help pay for child care services with a co-payment. The co-payments will vary, with a minimum payment of $15.00 per family, each month. DSHS staff will determine the specific co-payment amount based on the family size and total income.

 

QUESTIONS:
For more information about the WCCC subsidy call the Working Connections Customer Service Center at 1-877-980-9180.

How do I know my child care provider is licensed?
The Department of Early Learning's Licensed Child Care Information System (LCCIS) helps parents and others find general information about licensed child care providers and facilities. For more specific information about a child care provider's licensing history, call the Department of Early Learning (DEL) toll-free 24 hours a day at 1-866-482-4325.
What if I have concerns about my child care?
You can play an important role in the ongoing monitoring of licensed child care and school age care programs. To inquire about a specific licensed program, discuss concerns or file a complaint, call the Licensed Child Care Information Line at 1-866-482-4325.

Spotlight

BlockFest: The Thurston Early Childhood Coalition is sponsoring this interactive event for parents, providers and children under eight. Block fest is a large exhibit of five separate block stations where children and adults are invited to play together while they learn basic math and science concepts. Click here to request more information.

 

*Click the image below to view the Child Care Action Council's Choosing Child Care Booklet June 2007

Download the Choosing Childcare Brochure