Finding Quality Child Care

Choosing child care is one of the biggest decisions a family can make and you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this video, Connecticut families will learn how to find safe, nurturing, high-quality child care for infants and toddlers. We explain what quality care looks like, how to compare different programs, which trusted online tools to use, what to observe during a visit, and which questions to ask before making a decision. You’ll learn about: • Child care centers, family child care homes, school-based programs, and Early Head Start • The difference between licensing and quality recognition • Connecticut’s Elevate quality improvement system • How to research and visit potential programs • Financial assistance through Care 4 Kids, Early Start CT, and employer-supported benefits • How to choose a program that fits your child and family CONNECTICUT RESOURCES Find child care through Connecticut 2-1-1 Child Care: https://search.211childcare.org/ Learn about Elevate: https://www.ctoec.org/elevate/ Explore Care 4 Kids financial assistance: https://www.ctcare4kids.com/ Learn about Early Start CT: https://www.ctoec.org/early-start-ct/ Visit the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood: https://www.ctoec.org/ Remember: The goal isn’t to find one “perfect” program. It’s to find a place where your child feels safe, supported, known, and loved—and where you feel informed, respected, and confident. This series was funded by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood through the Governor’s Education Emergency Relief Fund. It was developed in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Connecticut’s RESC Alliance, and statewide partners committed to supporting young children and families. Please share this video with other Connecticut families beginning their child care search. #ConnecticutChildCare #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentResources