Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families will make. Child Care Resource & Referral is a community-based non-profit agency offering services to families, child care providers, employers, and the community that improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education and care. CCR&R’s referral services for child care are free and available to all families, regardless of income.
As an additional service, Child Care Resource & Referral now provides Enhanced Child Care Referrals for families searching for child care.
What is an Enhanced Child Care Referral?
When families request an enhanced childcare search, they will speak with our Enhanced Referral Specialist to receive a customized list of regulated child care programs according to their child(ren)’s age, location, and schedule. The Enhanced Referral Specialist will work to provide families with the most up-to-date information on vacancies.
Families are still responsible for scheduling tours, discussing rates and fees, and selecting a program that meets their child’s needs. Additional follow-up is provided to each family, along with customized information and resources as requested. It is not a guarantee to find a slot but an additional method of help for families searching for care.
For assistance, visit www.ccrrfoxvalley.org or call 920-886-1211 (1-800-749-KIDS) 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. A Referral Specialist can answer your questions and provide a customized list of childcare providers according to your family’s needs.
There are many different types of care and learning environments for children. No matter what type of child care you are searching for, there are some basic things to know when judging the quality of childcare. Be sure to look for care that will allow your child to feel secure, happy, and engaged, with plenty of opportunities for play and physical activity.
Call and visit more than one provider so you can compare!
CCR&R can provide you with a helpful list of sample questions here.
Finding High-Quality Care: What to Look for in a Childcare Provider
Child / Teacher Ratio and Group Size
- Look for the number of children per adults
- In general, children do better in smaller groups than in larger groups
Physical Environment
- Clean, safe, child-proof, odor-free
- Space for indoor and outdoor play, napping space, eating, toileting and hand washing areas
- Physical space should be organized so children know where things are and how they can be easily accessible
- How often do the children go outside?
- Are there enough highchairs, booster seats, and child-sized furniture?
Staff Interaction
- Responsive, warm interactions between provider and children
- Do staff talk gently to the children and at the child’s eye level?
Education Environment
- What does the daily schedule look like? Is there a balance of active and quiet times? Free time? Flexibility?
- Does the program offer a variety of toys and learning materials that your child will find interesting and contribute to their growth and development?
Food
- Are the meals and snacks nutritious?
- Can you bring in your own food?
- How does the program support formula-fed/breastfeeding mothers and children?
Discipline
- Guidance and discipline should be applied in a positive way that helps the child and does not humiliate them.
- Caregivers who use positive ways of disciplining children generally provide higher-quality care.
Parental Involvement
- Open, continual communication between families and childcare programs is key to ensuring consistent, quality care for all children.
- Parents should feel welcome to visit at any time while their child is in care and discuss any problems or concerns.
Status with Regulatory Agency
Parents should always check with the proper regulatory agency to see if there have been any complaints or concerns with the childcare program.
In our area, you can search for a specific childcare program by name at: childcarefinder.wisconsin.gov/Search/Search.aspx
Or you can contact the Bureau of Early Care Regulation Northeastern Regional Office at 920-785-7811 or their website at: dcf.wisconsin.gov/cclicensing/central-office
Need help with the cost of childcare?
The Department of Children and Families Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program is available to help with the cost of child care for income-eligible families.
Child care fees are tax-deductible. Check with your employer about pre-tax options.
Car Seat Safety
CCR&R has a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician on our staff who can assist you with making sure your child’s safety seat is installed properly. This service is available by appointment only. Please call 920-886-1211 to set up a safety check, or email ericb@ccrrfoxvalley.org. If possible, please bring your vehicle manual and your car seat manual to the appointment!
As a parent, you know what is best for your child. Go with your gut instinct. If you don’t find the answers to what you are looking for, keep looking. The perfect provider for your family is out there!
Child Care Resource & Referral, Inc.
CCR&R is a valuable resource to help families find regulated childcare providers in Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Waupaca, and Winnebago counties.
1001 West Kennedy Ave., Suite A
Kimberly, Wisconsin
920-886-1211 (1-800-749-KIDS)
