Choosing the Right Child Care Provider: 4 Child Care Options for Families

Choosing the right child care provider is one of the most important decisions Arizona families can make for their children's early development. With many options available, parents can make an informed choice that aligns with their child's needs and family's values by contacting CCR&R.

Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a valuable resource for families navigating the child care landscape. CCR&R offers personalized guidance and comprehensive information on licensed and certified child care providers, helping families find the best fit for their child’s needs.

Arizona offers a diverse range of child care options to meet the varied needs of families. Understanding the variety of options is key for families seeking the best fit for their children's needs. Here are four child care provider options available:

Centers and Preschools

Centers and preschools provide important early education and care in environments structured to support the various developmental needs of young children. These settings range from private and public facilities, to specialized programs catering to children with special needs. A few options include:

1. Centers and Private Preschools: These are non-residential settings that offer care for more than four children that are generally group children by age. They are licensed through the Arizona Department of Health Services, Bureau of Child Care Licensing (AZDHS).
2. Public Preschools: These preschools are hosted within public schools, and they provide early childhood education to prepare children for kindergarten. Public preschools are licensed by AZDHS, and overseen by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).
3. Early Childhood Special Education Programs:  Offered through public and private schools, the ADE administers and oversees special education preschool programs in Arizona. Families and children are required to meet eligibility requirements to attend.

Family Child Care

Family child care comes in several forms, each with its own certification, licensing, and operational standards to ensure children's safety and well-being in a home-based setting.

1. DHS-Certified Child Care Group Homes: This setting can care for up to 10 children in the provider’s home, maintaining a minimum staffing ratio of one staff person for every five children. Certified group homes may also contract with DES to serve families receiving DES child care assistance.
2. DES-Certified Family Child Care Homes: These providers can care for up to four children at a time in the provider’s home, adhering to specific safety and quality standards to ensure children's well-being.
3. CCR&R Registered Family Child Care Homes: Registered providers hold fingerprint clearance cards and are trained in CPR and First Aid. These providers are not certified or monitored by any state agency or CCR&R. Registered providers can care for up to four children at a time for compensation in their home.

In-Home Providers and Non-Certified Relative Care Providers

Exploring in-home care options, Arizona families can choose between individual caregivers providing personalized attention in their own homes, or non-certified relative care.

1. DES In-Home Child Care: Care is provided in the family’s’s home for up to four children. DES in-home providers are Certified and Contracted through the state.
2. Non-Certified Relative Care Providers (NCRP): A relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or adult sibling not living in the same home, can provide care in either the child’s or their own home. Find out more information on NCRPs through the DES website.

School-Age and Out-of-School-Time Programs

These programs cater to children in kindergarten through sixth grade to provide care during out-of-school time. This care is offered in various settings, including schools, community centers, and camps. The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence provides a free directory for families to find afterschool programs that are accredited.

Choosing the right child care provider is a critical step in supporting achild's growth, learning, and overall well-being. Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is dedicated to helping families find the best options tailored to their family's needs. To learn more about available child care providers and access additional resources, visit the CCR&R website.