Choosing the Right Childcare Provider for your Family
Your child deserves safe, affordable care where they can thrive, learn, and grow. We can help you find it.
Whether you need a few hours or a full week of child care for your infant, preschooler, or school-age child, our Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) specialists are available to help. Please note that we provide referrals, not recommendations.
How Can I Find Affordable Child Care Near Me?
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) is a free service available to all Orange County families. We will help you:
- locate quality early learning and affordable child care programs that meet your family’s needs
- connect to local community agencies and resources
- Identify financial child care assistance opportunities
For information on CCR&R services, please call 407-841-6607 or visit any of our walk in locations; Monday Through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m; Friday, 8:00 a.m. and 11:30a.m.; or use the online form HERE.
All families receiving Child Care Resource and Referral services will be contacted to complete a voluntary survey to gauge your customer service experience. All responses are anonymous and confidential and will not affect your services.
Choosing the right childcare center
for your family
For more information and suggestions to help you assess and choose the right provider for your child and family, consult The Family Guide to Quality Early Learning Programs. This free, comprehensive publication explains the various child care and early learning options available and offers guidelines to help you assess and find the right early learning program for your child.
- Start your search as early as possible. Many centers have wait lists.
- Call ELCOC’s Child Care Resource & Referral information line: 407-841-6607.
- Choose an early learning provider that aligns with your parenting style and your child’s needs.
- Visit the facilities you are considering. Observe, ask questions and take notes.
- Consider your child’s energy level, social skills, and personality traits. You know them best.
- Ask about special care or accommodations your child may need.
- Make sure you understand the costs involved, as well as the facility’s rules, policies and expectations.
- Is the daycare nearby? Consider family schedules and travel time between your home, workplaces and the child care centers you’re considering.
- Compare the pros and cons of the facilities you’ve visited and make the best decision for your family.
Want to search for providers yourself?
To find information about providers, including class scores, hours of operation, and the latest inspection reports, please visit the DCF Provider Search tab click HERE.
This link will take you to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Provider Search and Profile. To locate a provider, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Enter a Zip Code, City or County to produce a list of childcare providers in that area –OR– Enter an Address, Provider Name or License # to select a specific childcare provider.
Step 2: Providers offering VPK and SR will have the VPK and SR logos listed to the right under the “Programs” heading.
Step 3: For detailed information, click on the childcare provider's name, then click the tabs: “About Provider” or "Services."
Helpful links and resources
Florida Childcare Resource and Referral fact sheet:
A Parent’s Guide to Child Care:
- Family Guide Selecting Quality Early Learning Programs - English
- A Parent Checklist for Quality Child Care
Connect to these Helpful Community Resources:
- The State of Florida Office of Early Learning ensures the accessibility, affordability and quality of early learning services for Florida's children and families.
- The State of Florida Department of Children and Families works to keep children safe with their families and provides an array of services including child care information, transportation, parenting classes, respite care, and the Florida Abuse Program.
- Florida KidCare is our state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. Eligibility for Florida KidCare is based on your child’s age and family income.
- The Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System provides diagnostic, instructional, and technology support to families of young learners with disabilities.
Complaints or concerns:
Other resources:
What is CCR&R?
Childcare Resource and Referral services help take the guesswork out of choosing childcare. Trained CCR&R staff provide guidance by phone, in person, or online tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual family. Specialists can also connect you with other community resources and programs.
How can I get a listing of Child Care Providers
Families can complete the online form HERE or call 407-841-6607 for a free listing.
How do I file a complaint against a childcare provider?
Submit an online complaint HERE. You can also call 407-841-6607 or email ccrrorange@elcoc.org. You can mail or hand-deliver your concerns to any of our walk-in locations.
