Finding Child Care

Start your child care search online at Care About Childcare. Here you will find a searchable database of state regulated child care facilities.
Click on the Search for Care button. From there you can enter in either an address or a zipcode and start the search.
Once the list of names populates, you can choose to narrow the search down using the filters on the left of the screen.
If you click on the provider's name in the list it will open up an expanded view of their profile with even more information.

If you prefer, you can call our office at 801-626-7837 or email careaboutchildcare@weber.edu. We will search the database for you and email a list of potential providers for you to contact.

Exploring multiple providers will help you feel confident when you make a final decision. If possible, begin several weeks ahead of time. It may take time to find a program and provider that fits your needs. Many providers also have waiting lists, especially for infants. Knowing that your child is well cared for will be worth the effort and time you put into finding the right program.

What days and times do you need care? Where will you be needing care? What is your budget? Ask yourself these questions at the beginning of your child care search, and make sure to write down any other considerations your child may have as well, such as any special needs you may have, dietary restrictions and if your child needs transportation to and from school.

When you’re ready, begin calling the providers that you think will be a good fit. Begin each phone call by asking if it's a good time to talk (if not, find out when is a better time to call back). Then you may want to discuss the following topics, along with anything else that is important to you:

• Available openings
• Fees the provider charges
• Scheduling needs
• Typical day routines
• Location of child care
• Unexpected parent visits policy
• Allergies your child may have: smoke, pets, food, etc.
   

If you like what you hear on the phone, arrange a time to visit the child care site.

Arrange a time to visit the providers when other children are present so that you can observe the provider's interactions with children. Consider bringing your own child along with the understanding that it is only a visit and no decision will be made at this point. Some things you may look for during a visit are:

• Over-all positive feeling
• Positive guidance being used
• Happy background noise
• Provider communcates well
• Provider focuses on children
• Environment is safe with space for activities
• Provider is caring and energetic
• Provider is prepared for emergencies

If you do not see enough during your visit, ask the provider "what if" questions for various scenarios. Schedule a time to talk if necessary. Questions to ask include:

• What outings will the group take?
• What training or classes has the provider taken?
• Does the provider take pre-arranged vacations?
• Can parents bring mildly-ill children?
• What is the policy when the child gets sick during the day?
• What emergencies have happened and how were they handled?
• Does the provider have a regular substitute caregiver?

When you find a provider you like, ask for names and phone numbers of parents you can call as references. Ask the parents about their children's experiences, such as if they would choose the provider again if given the choice?

The Care About Childcare database  (https://jobs.utah.gov/occ/cac.html). is also a useful tool when deciding which provider to choose. Each provider's profile will have a link to their licensing record where you can view their compliance history with child care licensing. Their profile will also tell you their participation status in the Child Care Quality System (CCQS).

When you are ready and have explored all your options, weigh all of the information, trust your feelings and make a final decision. Consider things like where your child would be happiest and where you would feel the most comfortable taking your child.

The Child Care Aware website offers additional resources to help you conduct your child care search.

For more information about our services, assistance programs and other resources, visit our family resources page or our support programs page.