Making your child care search easier
Finding child care can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Our goal is to make the process easier and less stressful for your family. With helpful tools, tips, and guidance, you can find the care that fits your child’s needs and your schedule.
First, think about:
Budget
Think about your budget for child care costs. See if you qualify for help paying for child care.
Location
Do you need care near home, work, or school? Consider travel time and the hours the provider is open.
Hours and days
Do you need full- or part-time care? What hours do you need care? Do you need care on certain days?
Step-by-step: choosing the right child care
Step 1: Search for providers
Search for providers and use the filters on the top of the results page to customize your results.
Step 2: Keep track of your options
Write down the names, license numbers, and contact information of the providers you like.
Step 3: Check inspection reports
Use HHSC CCR's online public record to see each provider’s inspection records.
Step 4: Learn more about each program
Visit the providers’ websites to see what their programs offer.
Step 5: Narrow your list
After reading reviews and inspection reports, you may have favorites or decide to remove some providers from your list.
Step 6: Make a list of questions
Write down questions to ask child care providers. You can use the sample questions below to help you start.
Step 7: Contact providers
Reach out to the providers you are interested in to learn more and ask your questions.
Step 8: Schedule tours
Visit each provider you are considering. This lets you see where your child will be and meet the staff. Take notes during each tour.
Step 9: Choose a provider
Tell the provider you have chosen them. They will help you complete the paperwork and get your family set up.
We want you to find the best child care fit for your family! Did you know you can filter your search results by distance, availability, Texas Rising Star, hours, program options, faith based, and more? These are some of the options available to help you find the care that works for your family!
What to do if you can’t find care
Many families face challenges finding safe, affordable, and convenient child care. Start by searching for care. If all options are full, consider asking friends, family, or neighbors if they know of trusted providers or small home-based programs.
If you still can’t find care, think about other options such as flexible work arrangements, sharing care responsibilities with other parents, or looking into employer-sponsored child care benefits. Remember, you’re not alone, we’re here to support you as you search for the best care for your child.
Wondering what to ask? Try these questions!
It can be hard to know what questions to ask child care providers. You want to ask the questions that matter most to your family. To help, we’ve made a list of questions you can use to get started. We also explain why each question is important and what the answers can tell you about the care your child will get.
This shows whether the provider can care for your child right away or if there is a waiting list. If you need care quickly and a provider is full, reach out to other providers on your list.
Are the rates in your budget? If you qualify for a scholarship through the Child Care Services (CCS) program, make sure the provider accepts it. Not all providers accept children on the CCS program.
This shows if care is available when you need it. Remember to think about travel time so you can drop off and pick up your child on time.
Meals and snacks may be included in the cost, or you may need to bring them. Make sure to talk with the provider about any dietary needs your child has.
Providers may ask you to bring extra clothes, blankets, diapers, wipes, or other items. It’s helpful to know ahead of time what you need to provide.
This shows what your child’s day will be like while in care. You'll see times for play, story time, naps, and more.
Providers have rules about when sick children can come back. It’s a good idea to have a back-up plan for care if your child is sick and can’t return right away.
Many providers have a curriculum, or learning plan, to teach children in their care. Knowing this can help you see how your child will learn and grow each day.
Some providers do not accept children who are not potty trained. Asking lets you know how they support children during this stage and if their approach matches what you do at home.
Depending on your child’s disability, providers may be able to accommodate. Providers cannot discriminate against children with disabilities and must make reasonable modifications. More staff or equipment may be needed to provide care. Discuss the disability or special need with the provider.
Learn more about ways to support your child who has a disability or special need by visiting our Children with disabilities or special needs webpage.