Find Licensed Child Care in Your State
Every state keeps its own list of licensed programs. Pick yours and we'll send you to the official one.
Alabama
Use Alabama's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens apps.dhr.alabama.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Alabama.
Alaska
Use Alaska's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens akccis.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Alaska.
Arizona
Use Arizona's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens azchildcareprovidersearch.azdes.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Arizona.
Arkansas
Use Arkansas's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens ardhslicensing.my.site.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Arkansas.
California
Use California's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens mychildcareplan.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for California.
Colorado
Use Colorado's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
This is the Colorado Shines families page. Look for the child care search there.
Opens www.coloradoshines.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Colorado.
Connecticut
Use Connecticut's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Connecticut runs its search through 211 Child Care.
Opens www.211childcare.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Connecticut.
Delaware
Use Delaware's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens mychildde.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Delaware.
District of Columbia
Use District of Columbia's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search District of Columbia child care
Opens mychildcare.dc.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for District of Columbia.
Florida
Use Florida's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens caressearch.myflfamilies.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Florida.
Georgia
Use Georgia's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens families.decal.ga.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Georgia.
Hawaii
Use Hawaii's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcareprovidersearch.dhs.hawaii.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Hawaii.
Idaho
Use Idaho's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
This is the Idaho STARS families page. Look for the child care search there.
Opens idahostars.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Idaho.
Illinois
Use Illinois's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.illinoiscaresforkids.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Illinois.
Indiana
Use Indiana's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.in.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Indiana.
Iowa
Use Iowa's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens search.iachildcareconnect.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Iowa.
Kansas
Use Kansas's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens ks.childcareaware.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Kansas.
Kentucky
Use Kentucky's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens kynect.ky.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Kentucky.
Louisiana
Use Louisiana's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
ChildCare.gov lists the Louisiana Department of Education site for child care. Look for the early childhood or child care search there.
Opens louisianaschools.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Louisiana.
Maine
Use Maine's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens search.childcarechoices.me in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Maine.
Maryland
Use Maryland's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens findaprogram.marylandexcels.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Maryland.
Massachusetts
Use Massachusetts's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search Massachusetts child care
Opens childcare.mass.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Massachusetts.
Michigan
Use Michigan's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens greatstarttoquality.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Michigan.
Minnesota
Use Minnesota's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.parentaware.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Minnesota.
Mississippi
Use Mississippi's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Mississippi.
Missouri
Use Missouri's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens healthapps.dhss.mo.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Missouri.
Montana
Use Montana's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens dphhs.mt.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Montana.
Nebraska
Use Nebraska's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens dhhs.ne.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Nebraska.
Nevada
Use Nevada's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
On the other side, choose Child Care Program, then Agency, to search licensed facilities.
Opens www.dss.nv.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Nevada.
New Hampshire
Use New Hampshire's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search New Hampshire child care
Opens new-hampshire.my.site.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Use New Jersey's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.childcarenj.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New Jersey.
New Mexico
Use New Mexico's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcare.ececd.nm.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New Mexico.
New York
Use New York's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
This page explains how to look for child care in New York and links to the search.
Opens ocfs.ny.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New York.
North Carolina
Use North Carolina's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search North Carolina child care
Opens ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for North Carolina.
North Dakota
Use North Dakota's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search North Dakota child care
Opens search.ec.hhs.nd.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for North Dakota.
Ohio
Use Ohio's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcaresearch.ohio.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Ohio.
Oklahoma
Use Oklahoma's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcarefind.okdhs.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Oklahoma.
Oregon
Use Oregon's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens findchildcareoregon.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Use Pennsylvania's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search Pennsylvania child care
Opens www.compass.dhs.pa.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Use Rhode Island's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search Rhode Island child care
Opens earlylearningprograms.dhs.ri.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Rhode Island.
South Carolina
Use South Carolina's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search South Carolina child care
Opens abcquality.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for South Carolina.
South Dakota
Use South Dakota's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search South Dakota child care
Opens olapublic.sd.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for South Dakota.
Tennessee
Use Tennessee's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens onedhs.tn.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Tennessee.
Texas
Use Texas's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcare.twc.texas.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Texas.
Utah
Use Utah's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens jobs.utah.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Utah.
Vermont
Use Vermont's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.brightfutures.dcf.state.vt.us in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Vermont.
Virginia
Use Virginia's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.dss.virginia.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Virginia.
Washington
Use Washington's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.findchildcarewa.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Washington.
West Virginia
Use West Virginia's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Search West Virginia child care
Opens bfa.wv.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Use Wisconsin's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Use Wyoming's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens findchildcarewy.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Wyoming.
American Samoa
Use American Samoa's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
This is a contact page. American Samoa doesn't list an online provider search.
Search American Samoa child care
Opens dhss.as in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for American Samoa.
Guam
Use Guam's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens directory.guamchildcare.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Guam.
Northern Mariana Islands
Use Northern Mariana Islands's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
This page lists licensed day care centers.
Search Northern Mariana Islands child care
Opens www.childcare.gov.mp in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Northern Mariana Islands.
Puerto Rico
Use Puerto Rico's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
This search is in Spanish.
Opens childcare.familia.pr.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Puerto Rico.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Use U.S. Virgin Islands's official child care search to see who's licensed and read their inspection results.
This is the child care regulatory page for the Virgin Islands.
Search U.S. Virgin Islands child care
Opens dhs.vi.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for U.S. Virgin Islands.
Before you pick a program, visit and check these
- Look up the program on your state's official site first. Check that the license is current and read any inspection reports.
- Ask how many children each caregiver looks after. For babies, fewer is better.
- Ask what training the staff have, including CPR, first aid and safe sleep. Ask whether everyone who works there has had a background check.
- Look at where the babies sleep. Each baby should be on their back, alone, in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and nothing soft in it.
- Watch a diaper change and ask about handwashing, sick child rules and how medicine is handled.
- Ask what happens in an emergency and how you'll be reached.
- Make sure you can drop in without a call ahead. A good program welcomes visits.
- Notice how the caregivers talk to the children, and how the children seem. Trust what you see.
We don't keep a list of daycares, so you never see out of date information here. A license means a program meets the state's minimum rules. It doesn't replace a visit. Links come from the state pages on ChildCare.gov, the federal child care directory.
By KidsDirect Editorial Team
Choosing Child Care
Sooner or later, every parent needs child care. Maybe it’s an occasional night out, or maybe it’s a full work week. Either way, finding the right fit isn’t easy, and it’s a big decision. Take a breath. Starting with a few honest questions makes the search a lot less overwhelming. And if all you need is a sitter for the evening, skip ahead to our Babysitter Checklist.
Questions to Ask Yourself First
Before you start calling around, get clear on what your family needs. Think about what size of setting feels right, whether a big program with lots of kids or a quiet home with just a few. Think about which arrangement fits your schedule best, and how much flexibility you need when work runs late or plans change. Ask how much you want the care to include social and learning time, on top of a loving environment. Then decide what you can afford, and what kind of commitment you’re looking for, whether that’s a few hours a week or a long term arrangement.
The Main Types of Child Care
Child care centers are the most school like option. Children are usually grouped by age, and the staff is trained to run a daily routine. Family child care happens in a provider’s own home, where a small group of children spends the day together. According to ChildCare.gov, that setup often means the same caregiver all day, more flexible hours, the chance to keep siblings together, and generally lower costs. A nanny cares for your child in your own home, either part time or full time, and may live with you.
Each setting has its trade-offs. Centers give you structure and backup staff when someone’s out sick. Homes offer a cozy setting and a steady caregiver. With a nanny you get the most convenience, since there’s no drop off or pick up. You also take on the most responsibility, because you become the employer.
What Child Care Costs
Cost often decides things for families, and it’s not small. Child Care Aware of America reports that center based care averaged about $13,184 a year in 2025, which is roughly 10 percent of a typical two parent family’s income. Prices vary a lot by state and by your child’s age, since infant care costs the most. Family child care is generally less expensive than a center. A nanny, whether live in or not, is usually the priciest choice. If money is tight, ask your state about child care assistance. Many eligible families never get help, and it’s worth a call.
How to Find and Check Providers
Start with your state agency that licenses child care. Most states have an online search tool where you can see which programs are licensed, along with inspection reports. Many cities, states, and nonprofit agencies also run referral services that can match you with local options. ChildCare.gov walks through simple steps for finding and choosing child care, from searching to visiting.
To save a step, pick your state below and we’ll send you to its official search for licensed programs.
Find Licensed Child Care in Your State
Every state keeps its own list of licensed programs. Pick yours and we’ll send you to the official one.
Alabama
Use Alabama’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens apps.dhr.alabama.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Alabama.
Alaska
Use Alaska’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens akccis.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Alaska.
Arizona
Use Arizona’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens azchildcareprovidersearch.azdes.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Arizona.
Arkansas
Use Arkansas’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens ardhslicensing.my.site.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Arkansas.
California
Use California’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens mychildcareplan.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for California.
Colorado
Use Colorado’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
This is the Colorado Shines families page. Look for the child care search there.
Opens www.coloradoshines.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Colorado.
Connecticut
Use Connecticut’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Connecticut runs its search through 211 Child Care.
Opens www.211childcare.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Connecticut.
Delaware
Use Delaware’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens mychildde.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Delaware.
District of Columbia
Use District of Columbia’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search District of Columbia child care
Opens mychildcare.dc.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for District of Columbia.
Florida
Use Florida’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens caressearch.myflfamilies.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Florida.
Georgia
Use Georgia’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens families.decal.ga.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Georgia.
Hawaii
Use Hawaii’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcareprovidersearch.dhs.hawaii.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Hawaii.
Idaho
Use Idaho’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
This is the Idaho STARS families page. Look for the child care search there.
Opens idahostars.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Idaho.
Illinois
Use Illinois’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.illinoiscaresforkids.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Illinois.
Indiana
Use Indiana’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.in.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Indiana.
Iowa
Use Iowa’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens search.iachildcareconnect.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Iowa.
Kansas
Use Kansas’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens ks.childcareaware.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Kansas.
Kentucky
Use Kentucky’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens kynect.ky.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Kentucky.
Louisiana
Use Louisiana’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
ChildCare.gov lists the Louisiana Department of Education site for child care. Look for the early childhood or child care search there.
Opens louisianaschools.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Louisiana.
Maine
Use Maine’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens search.childcarechoices.me in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Maine.
Maryland
Use Maryland’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens findaprogram.marylandexcels.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Maryland.
Massachusetts
Use Massachusetts’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search Massachusetts child care
Opens childcare.mass.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Massachusetts.
Michigan
Use Michigan’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens greatstarttoquality.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Michigan.
Minnesota
Use Minnesota’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.parentaware.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Minnesota.
Mississippi
Use Mississippi’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.mdhs.provider.webapps.ms.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Mississippi.
Missouri
Use Missouri’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens healthapps.dhss.mo.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Missouri.
Montana
Use Montana’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens dphhs.mt.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Montana.
Nebraska
Use Nebraska’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens dhhs.ne.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Nebraska.
Nevada
Use Nevada’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
On the other side, choose Child Care Program, then Agency, to search licensed facilities.
Opens www.dss.nv.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Nevada.
New Hampshire
Use New Hampshire’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search New Hampshire child care
Opens new-hampshire.my.site.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Use New Jersey’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.childcarenj.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New Jersey.
New Mexico
Use New Mexico’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcare.ececd.nm.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New Mexico.
New York
Use New York’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
This page explains how to look for child care in New York and links to the search.
Opens ocfs.ny.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for New York.
North Carolina
Use North Carolina’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search North Carolina child care
Opens ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for North Carolina.
North Dakota
Use North Dakota’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search North Dakota child care
Opens search.ec.hhs.nd.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for North Dakota.
Ohio
Use Ohio’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcaresearch.ohio.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Ohio.
Oklahoma
Use Oklahoma’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcarefind.okdhs.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Oklahoma.
Oregon
Use Oregon’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens findchildcareoregon.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Oregon.
Pennsylvania
Use Pennsylvania’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search Pennsylvania child care
Opens www.compass.dhs.pa.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Use Rhode Island’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search Rhode Island child care
Opens earlylearningprograms.dhs.ri.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Rhode Island.
South Carolina
Use South Carolina’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search South Carolina child care
Opens abcquality.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for South Carolina.
South Dakota
Use South Dakota’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search South Dakota child care
Opens olapublic.sd.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for South Dakota.
Tennessee
Use Tennessee’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens onedhs.tn.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Tennessee.
Texas
Use Texas’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcare.twc.texas.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Texas.
Utah
Use Utah’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens jobs.utah.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Utah.
Vermont
Use Vermont’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.brightfutures.dcf.state.vt.us in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Vermont.
Virginia
Use Virginia’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.dss.virginia.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Virginia.
Washington
Use Washington’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens www.findchildcarewa.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Washington.
West Virginia
Use West Virginia’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Search West Virginia child care
Opens bfa.wv.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Use Wisconsin’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Wisconsin.
Wyoming
Use Wyoming’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens findchildcarewy.org in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Wyoming.
American Samoa
Use American Samoa’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
This is a contact page. American Samoa doesn't list an online provider search.
Search American Samoa child care
Opens dhss.as in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for American Samoa.
Guam
Use Guam’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
Opens directory.guamchildcare.com in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Guam.
Northern Mariana Islands
Use Northern Mariana Islands’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
This page lists licensed day care centers.
Search Northern Mariana Islands child care
Opens www.childcare.gov.mp in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Northern Mariana Islands.
Puerto Rico
Use Puerto Rico’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
This search is in Spanish.
Opens childcare.familia.pr.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for Puerto Rico.
U.S. Virgin Islands
Use U.S. Virgin Islands’s official child care search to see who’s licensed and read their inspection results.
This is the child care regulatory page for the Virgin Islands.
Search U.S. Virgin Islands child care
Opens dhs.vi.gov in a new tab.
If that page has moved, try the ChildCare.gov page for U.S. Virgin Islands.
Before you pick a program, visit and check these
- Look up the program on your state's official site first. Check that the license is current and read any inspection reports.
- Ask how many children each caregiver looks after. For babies, fewer is better.
- Ask what training the staff have, including CPR, first aid and safe sleep. Ask whether everyone who works there has had a background check.
- Look at where the babies sleep. Each baby should be on their back, alone, in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and nothing soft in it.
- Watch a diaper change and ask about handwashing, sick child rules and how medicine is handled.
- Ask what happens in an emergency and how you'll be reached.
- Make sure you can drop in without a call ahead. A good program welcomes visits.
- Notice how the caregivers talk to the children, and how the children seem. Trust what you see.
Want the full picture? Read our guide to choosing child care.
We don’t keep a list of daycares, so you never see out of date information here. A license means a program meets the state’s minimum rules. It doesn’t replace a visit. Links come from the state pages on ChildCare.gov, the federal child care directory.
Once you have a short list, call each program. Confirm that it’s licensed, has an opening for your child’s age, fits your hours, and takes your form of payment. Then visit, ideally more than once and at different times of day. Notice whether the children seem happy and busy, and whether the caregivers get down on the floor and talk with them. Ask about CPR and first aid training, background checks, and how babies are put to sleep. The safe answer is on their backs, alone, in a crib.
Check the Ratios
The number of children per adult matters a lot. ChildCare.gov says low ratios and small groups help children get the attention they need. For centers, the recommended ratios are one adult for every 3 infants, 4 toddlers, 7 three year olds, and 8 four and five year olds. Family homes tend to have stricter limits for the youngest children. Each state sets its own minimums, so ask what the provider’s ratio is on a typical day.
Safety and Comfort Come First
With every kind of care, your child’s safety and well being come first. Look for a caregiver with experience, who respects your views, and with whom you feel at ease. Take your time and visit more than one place. When you feel good about the arrangement, your child tends to settle in more easily, and so do you.
Rules Differ by State
Every state has its own child care rules, so what’s required in one place may not apply in another. Before you interview providers, ask your state licensing agency for a copy of its guidelines. That way you’ll know what to look for, and you can check that each provider meets the standards.
Worth knowing. This page is general guidance and can’t replace checking your state’s rules and visiting providers yourself. For more on parenting and family life, browse our ParentsDirect section.