Child Care Referrals
CCRR provides referrals and resources for parents seeking full-time or part-time child care, before and after school programs, and summer camps. Tips for finding quality care and information about local resources, such as child care subsidy, Georgia Pre-K, Head Start, and services for children with special needs, are also available. Our services are free and confidential.
Referrals, Not Recommendations
CCRR provides referrals for child care but does not recommend any particular programs. We believe that the best choice for any child should be a personal decision that reflects the parent’s values and expectations and meets the individual and developmental needs of the child. CCR&R informs parents about quality child care and their child care options so they can choose the care options that are best for their children. Information is available about child care centers and homes that are nationally accredited or designated by the state as being a Home of Quality or Center of Quality.
Assistance is available
Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
by telephone: (706) 613-1603 or Toll Free (877) 877-1275
walk-in: Child Care Resource & Referral Agency
3708 Atlanta Highway, Suite 1
Athens, Georgia 30606
or e-mail: eerwin@communityconnection211.org
If requesting assistance by e-mail please include the following information: your address, city, state, zip code, phone number, child’s age and birth date, child gender, days and hours care is needed, type of care options you are interested in, and any other information (for example, budget constraints) that will help us identify child care options for you.
All information gathered about families is kept confidential. We do not share personally identifiable information about families without permission. In general, personal information is only collected to tailor a child care search and for statistical purposes.
Below you will find some basic information on child care options and quality. You will receive a Choosing Quality Child Care booklet that includes this information and much more when you receive your child care referrals from us.
Child Care Options
Below is a description of the different care options available in Georgia.
Child Care Centers
A Child Care Center is licensed in Georgia to care for 18 or more children. There may be separate classrooms for each age group with more than one teacher per room. Program Consultants from Bright From the Start: Department of Early Care & Learning inspect centers once a year and if a complaint has been made about the center.
Group Child Care Homes
Group homes should be registered with the state and have a capacity to serve 7 to 18 children. The facility can be either in a commercial site in which the provider does not live or in the child care provider’s home. Group Homes are licensed and visited under state guidelines similar to those for centers.
Family Child Care Homes
Family Home Child Care providers can care for a limited number of children in their home. Any person providing child care for more than two children in their home for pay must be registered with the state licensing agency. The total number must be no more than 6 children for pay but the provider may care for their own children simultaneously. The provider must have an additional person on site (at least 16 years old) to help care for the children whenever more than three children under the age of 12 months are present, when more than six children under the age of 3 years are present, or when more than eight children under the age of 5 years are present.
State Funded Pre-K
Children who are 4 years old by September 1st of the current school year are eligible for free-to-parents Pre-K. There are no eligibility, income, or work requirements for the program, only that a child is 4 or 5 years old. Pre-K programs may be housed in a child care center or in a public school.
Head Start and Early Head Start
These are federally funded programs that serve low-income families and strive to promote school readiness. They are free to parents who qualify. Head Start is for 3-5 year olds and Early Head Start is for infants and toddlers.
Private Pre-School, Mother’s Morning Out, and Play Groups
These are programs that last less than four hours a day. They can often be combined for a creative child care plan. Such programs are exempt from licensure in Georgia.
Informal Child Care
Most often, this type of child care is provided by a relative, friend, or neighbor. While this type of child care is not regulated, it meets the needs of some families. CCRR does not provide referrals for informal child care.
State Licensing and Registration
Child Care Centers, Group Child Care Homes, and Family Child Care Homes should be either licensed or registered with the state licensing department. The state has regulations that provide the minimum requirements that facilities must meet in order to operate. There are health and safety regulations that cover meals, diaper changing/hand washing, and discipline. Licensing also regulates the child to adult ratios, the activities the children participate in during the day, the policies and procedures that the facility uses, and the caregivers’ qualifications. In Georgia, at a minimum, a caregiver must have a high school diploma or GED, pass a Criminal Records Check, and receive 10 hours of training a year. When choosing care, it is important to choose licensed or registered child care so that caregivers are held to, at least, minimum quality standards.
Quality Indicators
While many providers follow the basic regulations set by the state, there are those who choose to provide higher quality child care. When you visit caregivers, check out these things:
Group Size: Find out how many children are in the group. The smaller the group, the better. Imagine a group of 25 two-year olds with five adults, compared to a group of 10 with two adults. Both groups have the same adult to child ratio. Which would be calmer and safer? Which would be more like a family?
Caregiver Qualifications: Ask about the caregivers’ training and education. Caregivers with degrees and/or special training in working with children will be better able to help your child learn.
Turnover: Ask how long caregivers have been at the center or providing care in their homes. It's best if the child stays with the same caregiver at least a year.
Family Involvement: Make sure parents are welcome at any time. Are there specific events for you to attend? You and the provider should be able to discuss your child on a regular basis. How will the provider communicate with you?
Health and Safety: Does the caregiver go above and beyond to ensure the safety of the children? Is the center or home extremely child-friendly, well-lit, clean smelling, and free of hazards?
Comments or Complaints?
For comments or complaints regarding Child Care Resource & Referral services, you may contact the Director, Jean Gowen, (706) 613-1603 or toll free
(877) 877-1275, ext 228.
As a parent you also have the right to file a complaint against a child care provider for any dissatisfaction you may feel. Complaints can be anonymous.
To file a complaint regarding a child care provider you may contact
Bright from the Start, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning
404-657-5562 http://www.decal.state.ga.us
Or contact our office
Child Care Resource and Referral of NEGA at Athens
(706) 613-1603
or toll free
(877) 877-1275
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