FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
I am looking for child care for my infant and am not sure how to go about finding quality care.
How and where do I take child care provider classes?
How do I find a Head Start program?
Responses
How does the National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative (NITCCI) provide Technical Assistance (TA) to states?
NITCCI serves Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) administrators and their designees or partners. All TA activities will be individualized to meet the needs of States, Tribes, and Territories and Regions. Requests for TA are processed collaboratively among the CCDF Administrator, the ACF Regional Office Child Care Manager, and NITCCI staff. For additional information on how to access TA, contact the NITCCI Project Director, Karen Heying, at: Kheying@zerotothree.org
I am looking for child care for my infant and am not sure how to go about finding quality care.
Child Care Aware’s Accessing Support for All Parents (ASAP) project helps families look at factors involved in making decisions about child care. Their website has many helpful resources including an on-line search for the local child care resource and referral. Their website is http://www.childcareaware.org. You can also reach them by phone at 1-800-424-2246 or TTY# 1-866-278-9428.
I am a single parent of an infant and I’m in need of child care assistance. Where can I go to find help?
Child care assistance is available to eligible families through State, Territory and Tribal agencies that administer the Federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). Each CCDF agency determines eligibility requirements for families. Contact the agency in your State, Territory or Tribe directly for your eligibility information and how to apply for assistance. A list of contacts is located at http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/statedata/dirs/display.cfm?title=ccdf. In some cases, families may apply by telephone or mail. In many communities child care resource and referral agencies (CCR&R) run the CCDF programs. All CCR&Rs can provide information about how to apply for child care assistance. A list of child care resource and referral agencies is available from Child Care Aware. Visit their web site at: http://www.childcareaware.org or call 1-800-424-2246 to locate an agency near you.
As a childcare provider I am having difficulty purchasing additional materials and equipment for my daycare. Where can I find financial assistance such as grants?
The National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative does not provide grants or funding, however, you may contact the National Association of Child Care Referral and Resource Agency (CCR&R) and Child Care Aware to find your local CCR&R who may have information regarding local grants available. http://www.childcareaware.org or call 1-800-424-2246 for additional information.
"I’ve been referred by my 3-year-old’s pediatrician for a speech evaluation. Whom do I contact to receive this service?"
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all states and territories to provide early intervention and preschool special education for children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. When available, this directory lists these resources for each State or Territory. To locate the Early Intervention Program in your area visit, http://nectac.org/
How and where do I take child care provider classes?
Many states offer professional development for child care providers. Often these trainings are offered through the local CCR&R agency. To contact your local CCR&R agency you can contact NACCRRA at 1-703-341-4100 or via the national website at http://www.naccrra.org/.
How do I find a Head Start program?
Contact the Head Start or Early Head Start agency serving your community. Your local Head Start agency will provide the required forms and answer questions about the program and eligibility. To find a local Head Start or Early Head Start program to contact in your area, use the on-line national Head Start Program Search Tool at: http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices.