# 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. - URL: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=choosing-childcare ## Step by step 1. **Looking for childcare?** It’s a big decision, and spots fill fast. Here’s how to find safe care and help paying for it. 2. **Know the types.** Centers, licensed family childcare in someone’s home, a nanny or relative, and free Head Start or Early Head Start for eligible families. 3. **Start looking early.** Many programs have waitlists, especially for infants. Get on a few lists, even before the baby arrives. 4. **Check the license and inspections.** Your state’s childcare licensing website shows whether a provider is licensed and lists inspection reports and complaints. 5. **Visit and ask questions.** Ask about how many children each adult cares for, staff background checks, safe sleep for babies, and how they handle illness and emergencies. 6. **Look for help with the cost.** Many families qualify for state childcare assistance. A dependent care FSA at work and the child care tax credit can also lower costs. 7. **Trust your gut, and keep checking.** Drop in now and then, talk with caregivers daily, and watch how your child reacts. You can always change if something feels wrong. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## 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 ## 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. ## 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. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/how-much-does-childcare-cost ### Should I do a background check on a nanny? Yes. Check references and consider a background check, especially for in-home care. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/should-i-do-a-background-check-on-a-nanny ### How do I find licensed childcare? Use your state’s childcare licensing search or ChildCare.gov, which links to state resources and inspection reports. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/how-do-i-find-licensed-childcare ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/what-should-i-ask-when-touring-a-daycare ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/is-there-help-paying-for-childcare ### 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. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/what-is-head-start ### How early should I sign up for daycare? As early as you can, often during pregnancy, since infant spots fill quickly. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/how-early-should-i-sign-up-for-daycare ### What does safe sleep mean at daycare? Babies placed on their backs to sleep, in a crib with a firm mattress and no blankets, pillows or toys. Source page: https://explained.page/choosing-childcare/questions/what-does-safe-sleep-mean-at-daycare ## Official sources - [ChildCare.gov: find child care](https://childcare.gov/) - [Head Start: find a program](https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/) - [IRS: child and dependent care credit](https://www.irs.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "[your state] child care licensing search" - "[your state] child care assistance apply" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.