Looking for Child Care? - Child Care Referrals

Family Enrichment Network does not have a "list" of providers. What we can offer you is a customized search of our database to find child care providers who meet your specific needs.

Parents who need help paying for child care can apply for a child care subsidy from their local Department of Social Services. There are income and other requirements for eligibility. To determine if you are eligble, contact DSS in Broome County: (607) 778-2628 or in Tioga County: (607) 687-8500.

What you are looking for is a nanny or "in-home" child care provider. Family Enrichment Network does not include in-home providers in our database. We can offer suggestions on how to search for an in-home provider, but it would be up to the parent to conduct their own search if they choose this child care option.

Family Enrichment Network offers referrals NOT recommendations. The CCR&R program is not a regulatory agency, nor does it endorse or recommend any particular provider. Referrals are not intended to replace your responsibility to inspect, evaluate and choose a child care provider that meets your needs. That responsibility remains solely that of you, the parent.

To review a provider's history of regulatory violations, if any, visit the New York State Office of Children and Family Services' website at www.ocfs.state.ny.us. For help navigating the website and to answer questions about what violations may mean, contact our Referral Specialist at (607) 723-8313 ext. 829.

There are no mildly ill child care programs in this area. You may want to discuss this with your child care provider and check to see what his or her sick care policy is. You will need to make back-up care plans accordingly.

Family Enrichment Network's provider database lists caregivers who offer care in their homes for second shift, third shift, and weekends, however at this time there are no child care centers providing non-traditional hours.

Providers set their own rates so the cost varies by program. The average weekly cost for a full-time infant in a child care center is $160, toddlers $150, and preschoolers $140. In a family child care home (in the provider's home) averages from $75 to $165.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. One option is not better than the other. This is a decision you need to make after visiting several programs of both options and comparing them according to what you are looking for. Some things to consider are: ages of your children, type of program being offered, group size, activities, outdoor play area, location, and cost. For additional information on selecting the right program for you, click on the Documents to your left to view more available resources.