Choosing childcare: what to look for and how to pay
Options include centers, licensed family childcare in a home, a nanny or relative, and free Head Start or Early Head Start for eligible families. Start early, because infant spots have waitlists. Check your state’s licensing website for licenses, inspections and complaints. Visit and ask about adult-to-child ratios, background checks, safe sleep and illness policies. Many families qualify for state childcare assistance, and a dependent care FSA and tax credit can help.
Your checklist
- Know the types of care
- Start early and join waitlists
- Check licenses and inspections
- Visit and ask key questions
- Look for help paying
- Keep checking in
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Types of care
- Childcare centers.
- Family childcare: licensed care in a provider’s home, often smaller groups.
- Nanny or relative care.
- Head Start and Early Head Start: free programs for eligible families with young children.
Start early
Infant spots are limited, and waitlists are common. Get on several lists, even before your baby is born.
Check licensing
Your state’s childcare licensing website shows whether a provider is licensed and often lists inspection reports and complaints.
Visit and ask
- How many children does each adult care for?
- Do all staff have background checks and first aid/CPR training?
- Do babies sleep on their backs in a bare crib?
- How do you handle illness, medicine and emergencies?
- Can parents drop in anytime?
Help paying
- State childcare assistance programs (subsidies) for eligible families.
- A dependent care FSA through your employer.
- The federal child and dependent care tax credit.
- Head Start and Early Head Start if eligible.
Keep checking
Talk with caregivers often, drop in sometimes, and watch how your child responds.
Official sources, and where to look
- ChildCare.gov: find child carechildcare.gov
- Head Start: find a programeclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
- IRS: child and dependent care creditirs.gov
[your state] child care licensing search[your state] child care assistance apply
Common questions
How much does childcare cost?
It varies widely by state, age and type of care; infant care is usually the most expensive. Ask about assistance programs. More ›
Should I do a background check on a nanny?
Yes. Check references and consider a background check, especially for in-home care. More ›
How do I find licensed childcare?
Use your state’s childcare licensing search or ChildCare.gov, which links to state resources and inspection reports. More ›
What should I ask when touring a daycare?
Ask about adult-to-child ratios, staff background checks and training, safe sleep, illness and emergency policies, and whether parents can drop in. More ›
Is there help paying for childcare?
Many families qualify for state childcare assistance. A dependent care FSA and the federal child and dependent care tax credit can also lower costs. More ›
What is Head Start?
Free federally funded programs for young children from families with low incomes, offering education, health and family support. Early Head Start serves babies and toddlers. More ›
Find licensed childcare near you
Always check licensing and inspections.
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.