What Is Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware of America is the national network of local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies that helps families find, afford, and access quality childcare. Founded in 1987, the organization operates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia through roughly 700 local CCR&R agencies. These agencies maintain databases of licensed and license-exempt providers in their communities, verify credentials, and help families navigate subsidy programs like the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF).
For families, Child Care Aware functions as a concrete resource that connects you to vetted providers in your area. Staff can explain licensing requirements specific to your state, answer questions about staff-to-child ratios, and help determine your eligibility for childcare subsidies. For ECE professionals, the network provides training opportunities, professional development referrals, and information on NAEYC accreditation pathways and participation in quality rating systems like QRIS.
How Child Care Aware Helps Families
When you contact your local Child Care Aware agency, you gain access to several practical tools:
- Provider search: Search licensed childcare centers and family childcare homes in your zip code, with details on hours, ages served, and tuition rates.
- Quality information: Learn which providers hold NAEYC accreditation or participate in your state's QRIS, which rates quality using metrics like staff credentials, child-to-adult ratios, and developmental screening practices.
- Subsidy navigation: CCR&R staff help determine CCDF eligibility and connect you to the application process. The average CCDF subsidy covers 75% to 85% of childcare costs for eligible families.
- Licensing requirements: Understand what credentials your state requires, typical staff-to-child ratios (typically 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for toddlers, 1:8 for preschoolers in center-based settings), and inspection history of specific providers.
For Early Childhood Professionals
ECE providers use Child Care Aware services to strengthen their programs. CCR&R agencies offer technical assistance on improving staff ratios, meeting developmental benchmark assessments, and pursuing NAEYC accreditation. Many states link their QRIS participation directly to Child Care Aware, meaning your agency referral includes your quality rating tier. This visibility helps recruit families seeking quality environments.
Professional development connections through Child Care Aware help staff pursue credentials like the Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) or state-level teacher certifications, which support your ability to meet your state's licensing requirements.
Common Questions
- Does Child Care Aware charge families a fee? No. Local CCR&R agencies are federally and state-funded and provide services at no cost to families.
- What if my state doesn't have CCDF subsidies available? Even without subsidy eligibility, your local CCR&R can help you understand licensing regulations, find quality providers, and connect you to other affordability resources.
- How does Child Care Aware information relate to my state's licensing rules? CCR&R agencies maintain current information on your state's specific staff-to-child ratios, educator qualification requirements, and inspection standards. They don't replace state regulators but help you understand what those requirements mean in practice.
Related Concepts
- Child Care Resource and Referral , the local agencies that make up the Child Care Aware network.
- QRIS , quality rating and improvement systems that measure provider quality across multiple dimensions.