Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies 2026
Understanding CCR&R agencies and how they help parents find childcare. Free services, what they offer, and how to use referral resources.
Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies are valuable free resources for finding childcare. Understanding what they offer helps you take advantage of these services.
What Are CCR&R Agencies?
Definition
CCR&R agencies are:
- Community resources
- Free to parents
- Childcare specialists
- Information hubs
- Quality support
What They Do
Services include:
- Referrals to providers
- Quality information
- Financial assistance info
- Parent education
- Provider support
Services for Parents
Provider Referrals
They help find:
- Licensed providers
- Center-based care
- Home-based care
- Preschools
- Various options
What They Provide
Information about:
- Available openings
- Location options
- Type of care
- Ages served
- Basic information
Quality Information
May share:
- Licensing status
- Accreditation
- Quality ratings
- Complaint history
- Inspection results
How to Use CCR&R
Finding Your Local Agency
Locate through:
- ChildCare.gov
- State childcare website
- 211 directory
- Web search
- Community resources
Making Contact
Typically can:
- Call for referrals
- Use online search tools
- Email for information
- Visit in person
- Access resources online
What to Ask For
Request:
- Providers in your area
- Care for your child's age
- Your schedule needs
- Any special requirements
- Financial assistance info
What CCR&R Can and Can't Do
What They Do
Helpful for:
- Lists of providers
- Basic information
- Financial assistance info
- Parent resources
- Quality information
What They Don't Do
Limitations:
- Don't guarantee quality
- Don't place children
- Don't make recommendations
- Don't have complete lists
- Don't do the vetting for you
Your Responsibility
You still need to:
- Visit programs
- Evaluate quality
- Make your decision
- Do your research
- Trust your judgment
Types of Information Provided
Provider Details
May include:
- Name and location
- Contact information
- Ages and hours
- Type of care
- Basic details
Quality Indicators
If available:
- Quality ratings
- Accreditation status
- Licensing status
- Inspection history
Financial Resources
Information about:
- Subsidy programs
- How to apply
- Eligibility
- Payment assistance
- Tax credits
Using Online Resources
CCR&R Websites
Often offer:
- Provider search tools
- Quality information
- Parent resources
- Financial info
- Educational materials
Search Features
Filter by:
- Location
- Age of child
- Hours needed
- Type of care
- Special needs
ChildCare.gov
National resource:
- Find local CCR&R
- State resources
- General information
- Subsidy info
- Quality guidance
Beyond Referrals
Parent Education
May offer:
- Workshops
- Resources
- Guides to quality
- Information on topics
- Community events
Financial Assistance
Help with:
- Subsidy applications
- Understanding options
- Navigating systems
- Finding resources
Maximizing Value
Get Multiple Referrals
Ask for:
- Several options
- Various types
- Different locations
- Range of choices
Use Quality Info
Ask about:
- Quality ratings
- Accreditation
- Licensing status
- How to evaluate
Follow Up
After getting referrals:
- Contact providers
- Visit programs
- Evaluate thoroughly
- Make informed choice
Limitations to Know
Not Comprehensive
Lists may:
- Not include all providers
- Miss unlicensed options
- Have outdated info
- Lack current openings
Not Recommendations
Referral is not:
- Endorsement
- Quality guarantee
- Personal recommendation
- Only option
Information Accuracy
May not be:
- Completely current
- Fully accurate
- Comprehensive
- Updated in real-time
Key Takeaways
CCR&R agencies offer:
- Free referrals
- Quality information
- Financial assistance help
- Parent resources
- Community support
Use them to:
- Get started
- Find options
- Learn about quality
- Access resources
- Navigate system
Remember:
- Starting point, not endpoint
- Still do your own research
- Visit and evaluate
- Make your own decision
- Use multiple resources
Find yours:
- ChildCare.gov
- State resources
- 211 directory
- Local search
CCR&R agencies are valuable free resources for starting your childcare search. Use their services while doing your own evaluation of programs.
Related guides you may find helpful:
Ultimate Childcare Library
All 46 guides and toolkits. One price. Lifetime access and updates.
Written by
ChildCarePath Team
Our team is dedicated to helping families find quality child care options through well-researched guides and resources.
Related Guides
Best Age to Start Daycare: When Is the Right Time? 2026
Deciding when to start childcare. Pros and cons of different ages, developmental considerations, family factors, and finding the right timing for your child.
Bilingual & Language Immersion Childcare: Complete Guide 2026
Finding bilingual daycare and language immersion preschools. Benefits of early language learning, program types, what to look for, and raising multilingual children.
Daycare for Very Active Children 2026
Finding appropriate childcare for high-energy children. Movement needs, preventing behavior labels, and programs that support active learners.
Childcare After Divorce: Co-Parenting and Custody Guide 2026
Managing childcare logistics after separation or divorce. Co-parenting coordination, custody schedules, communicating with providers, and putting children first.
Backup Childcare Options 2026
Planning for childcare emergencies. When regular care isn't available, backup options, and building a reliable support network.
Bilingual Children in Childcare 2026
Supporting dual-language learners at daycare. How childcare can help bilingual development and what parents of bilingual children should know.