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Enter your ZIP code to find family child care providers near you.
1It only takes a minute
A simpler child care search for families
Find trusted child care near you
Discover local family child care homes, check availability and find the right child care for your family — with confidence.
Public licensing informationProvider availability where providedLocal child care guidance
Simple child care searchSearch, compare and enquire in one place.
Compare
View profiles, experience, fees and availability.
2Find the right fit
Connect
Send an enquiry directly to a family child care provider.
3Start your journey
Manage care
Keep agreements, updates and shared records together once care begins.
4Stay connected
Search by area and care needs
Clear public profile information
Enquire when you are ready
Support for your next step
WHY FAMILIES USE LOCAL-CHILDCARE
A clearer, safer way to start the conversation
We make it easier to find local child care while keeping important checks and decisions with you. Public profile information is clearly separated from private family records, so you can explore at your own pace.
Licensing information
Profiles can show public state licensing information where it is available. Check the details and ask questions before arranging care.
Background checks and qualifications
Providers should meet applicable licensing and safeguarding requirements. Review qualifications and ask about current background-check information before care begins.
Free for parents
Parents do not pay to browse or send an enquiry, or to access family functionality a connected child care provider shares with them.
No gold membership required
There is no gold membership required to search and start a conversation. Compare your options without a premium paywall between you and a program.
Protected family information
Secure sign-in, encrypted connections and permission-based sharing help protect private enquiries, family details and child care records.
Guidance for better decisions
Use local insights and practical parent guides to understand child care options, costs, subsidies and the questions to ask.
Always satisfy yourself that a provider is suitable for your family. Check the applicable state license, insurance and qualification information before making an arrangement.
FOR FAMILIES
From finding care to staying connected
Search and compare local child care providers, then keep visits, agreements, booking deposits and ongoing child care updates together as your family journey develops.
Search nearby
Start with your area, then narrow your search by the care your family needs.
Compare profiles
Take your time reviewing experience, services and availability where provided.
Save your favourites
Keep promising options together while you explore what feels right.
Enquire directly
Contact a program through your signed-in parent account when you are ready.
Arrange childcare
Move from an enquiry to visits, placement details, contracts and a booking deposit when your child care provider shares them.
Review and sign
Review contracts, policies and documents securely, with clear acknowledgement and signature steps.
Pay a booking deposit
When offered by your child care provider, pay a one-off booking deposit through the connected family journey.
Stay connected anywhere
Install the app on supported devices and use secure messages, shared updates and family records on the go.
Choose device notifications
Opt in to supported device notifications so important family activity is easier to keep up with.
Use practical guides
Get help with child care options, costs, subsidies and next steps.
Make an informed choice
Use public information and your own questions to decide what suits your family.
Ready to find child care near you?
Search local child care providers and find care that works for your family.