Help Guide for Early Childhood and Out-of-School Time Programs
At Child Care Answers, we know the rewards and challenges of working in quality child care, preschool, and school-age settings. Our job is to help you do your job better – and to ensure the children in your care receive the highest quality experience possible. Scroll down to view our top resources for child care professionals like you. Or, browse our resource center for tools, tips, and timely advice, created by our experts. Included in this guide are resources to help you:
Support for experienced child care providers
Whether you've just opened your doors or have been licensed for decades, we can connect you to resources to support your professional development, business needs, program improvement, and more!
Early childhood education philosophies
Ever wondered what your true teaching style is? Interested in learning what those foreign-sounding words like Reggio Emilia and Montessori really mean? Take a peek into what works for other early childhood professionals in the classroom.
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Take care of yourself, too
Child care professionals can have rewarding jobs, but it also takes a lot of of you! Check out our resources to help you learn when you need to a time-out and how to attain mental and physical wellness.
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Start your own child care
Opening a child care business
You know one thing – you have a passion for children and want to make a career of it. We’re here to help you figure out what comes next. First, review our Opening a Child Care Business page for the steps to get started. Once you’ve decided which type of care you want to provide, we’ll grow with you every step of the way!
Opening a
Licensed Family Child Care Home
Get details on starting a licensed child care program in a residential setting.
Opening a
Licensed Child Care Center
Learn about the extended requirements and next steps for opening a child care center.
Opening a
Unlicensed Registered Ministry
Understand how to open a quality program affiliated with a religious institution.
Resources to help you
Build your professionalism
Meaningful personal development is essential to advancing in your career as an early childhood professional. From introductory sessions to college degrees, ongoing education gives you the knowledge and experience to provide the best possible learning experiences for the children you serve. Check out our resource center for information on topics such as:
Resources to help you
Keep your classroom safe and compliant
Your first responsibility is to keep the children in your care healthy and safe. You also need to ensure you’re following all the regulations required for your type of program. Check out our resource center for information on topics such as:
Resources to help you
Improve your program
Just as your young learners are always changing and learning, your program can benefit from opportunities to grow and improve as well. Consider these options to enhance the great work that you’re already doing in your program.
Resources to help you
Sustain a child care business
If you’re a child care program owner, you are also an entrepreneur and business owner. Just as you need to understand child development, you also need to understand your budget, marketing, and funding. Check out our resource center for information on topics such as:
The latest
Stay in the know
Our team is always keeping its eyes and ears open for resources that will be helpful to experienced child care professionals and those just starting out. We make sure you’re aware of the latest child care grants, professional development opportunities, and regulatory guidance. Sign up today to receive our newsletter every three months in your inbox to keep up on the latest.
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Program Engagement Team
We grow with your child care program
Our team of program specialists are in your corner, every step of the way. If you need help starting a new program, navigating the I-LEAD online licensing portal, or building your child care business, call on one of these caring experts for any of our free services. Fill out our provider information form in English or Spanish or call 317.636.5727 to get connected.
Child Care Answers means education, professionalism and mentoring to me. As a professional, I have found Child Care Answers to be a place of guidance, information and resources. I am a better educator and parent because of Child Care Answers.
Ashley Flaumenhaft
Early Childhood Educator
