What age groups do you serve?
The Child Development Resource Center serves families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children, including transitional kindergarten.
What is a referral request?
A referral request is filled out by a parent or caregiver who needs help finding child care. When a referral request is filled out, a CDRC specialist will provide the family with at least five to seven child care options to consider. CDRC does not give preferential treatment to any early childhood educator or program. Referrals are given to families according to the area where care is needed, the age of the child(ren), the type of childcare desired, the time-of-day care is needed and known availability.
Where can I find child care in Santa Cruz County?
The Child Development Resource Center is the one-stop resource for families seeking child care. The Child Development Resource Center’s website has the only comprehensive list of child care facilities in Santa Cruz County. Parents are also encouraged to fill out a referral request to receive customized child care referrals to fit their family’s needs.
How much do these child care programs cost?
For many working families, quality child care is essential but cost prohibitive. Help is available. The Child Development Resource Center can help look at the options to see if your family qualifies for assistance to pay for child care and direct you to agencies that offer subsidized care in Santa Cruz County.
I can’t afford child care, what do I do?
There are options throughout the county, including low- and no-cost preschools, child care centers and licensed family child care homes that serve eligible families. A voucher program also provides assistance to families on an individual basis.
How do I know what child care program is right for me?
Finding the right care for your child is one of the most important decisions your family can make. Check out the Choosing Child Care Checklist for a step-by-step guide in determining the right child care for you and your family. You can also visit Types of Child Care Options for more information or contact a Child Development Resource Center specialist to guide you through this process.
Which child care programs are near me?
You can discover childcare programs near your work or home by using the “Location of Child Care” finder on the Child Development Resource Center website.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
Yes, the Child Development Resource Center has bilingual staff.
Are waitlists long? How soon can I get child care?
The Child Development Resource Center maintains a database of child care availability in Santa Cruz County and can connect you with providers welcoming new children.
How do I pick a preschool?
Please explore the “Steps to Finding Quality Child Care” to determine the right fit for your family and needs.
Are there free preschool programs?
There are options throughout the county, including low- and no-cost preschools, child care centers and licensed family child care homes that serve eligible families. A voucher program also helps families on an individual basis.
What is TK and is my child eligible?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is being in expanded in California to include all 4-year-olds by the 2025-26 academic year. TK Programs are free and provided by public schools. Contact the Child Development Resource Center for more information or call your local school directly.
Can you help me find a babysitter or nanny?
Care provided by a friend, relative, neighbor, babysitter or nanny in the child or adult’s home is not licensed, but in-home care providers can register with TrustLine, California’s criminal background check for license-exempt providers.
How do I find after-care for my elementary school student?
Please request a child care referral on the Child Development Resource Center website.
I have an issue with my child care provider or facility. Can you help?
Community Care Licensing has a centralized complaint and information bureau, which maintains a complaint hotline that you can call. The phone number is 1-844-538-8766. That’s 1-844-Let-Us-No. Or you can use the email address, letusno@dss.ca.gov.
How does COVID affect child care right now?
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides guidance on COVID protocols for child care facilities, including guidance on masking, how to handle COVID exposures, testing and quarantine periods.
