Skip to content
Child Care Answers Logo
  • News & Stories
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Resource Center
    Featured Resource
    Choosing Care
    Learn more
    • All Resources
    • Family Help Guide
    • Child Care Program Help Guide
    • Employer Help Guide
    • Community Help Guide
  • Our Focus
    Featured Article
    Effects of Child Care on Businesses and the Economy
    Learn more
    • Families
    • Child Care Programs
    • Community Partners
    • Employers
    • Additional Reports and Data
  • Team
    • Our Expertise
    • Our Staff
    • Our Board
    • Careers
  • Get Involved
    • Partner with Us
    • Advocate
    • Volunteer
  • Find Child Care
  • Donate
  • Resource Center
    • All Resources
    • Family Help Guide
    • Child Care Program Help Guide
    • Employer Help Guide
    • Community Help Guide
  • Our Focus
    • Families
    • Child Care Programs
    • Community Partners
    • Employers
    • Additional Reports and Data
  • Team
    • Our Expertise
    • Our Staff
    • Our Board
    • Careers
  • Get Involved
    • Partner with Us
    • Advocate
    • Volunteer
  • Find Child Care
  • Donate
  • News & Stories
  • Events
  • Contact

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:

  • Open a child care business
  • Build your professionalism
  • Keep your classroom safe and compliant
  • Improve your program
  • Sustain a child care business

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!
educational philosophies

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.
Read More
provider self-care

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.
Read More
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!

Provider Resources Icon
Opening a

Licensed Family Child Care Home

Get details on starting a licensed child care program in a residential setting.
Read More
child care center
Opening a

Licensed Child Care Center

Learn about the extended requirements and next steps for opening a child care center.
Read More
Opening a

Unlicensed Registered Ministry

Understand how to open a quality program affiliated with a religious institution.
Read More
professional development
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:

  • Professional development opportunities
  • Credentials and certifications, such as the CDA
  • Early childhood education degrees and colleges
Request 1:1 Support Contacta en Español Resource Center
clean classroom
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:

  • Health and safety
  • Regulations for child care owners
Request 1:1 Support Contacta en Español Resource Center
improve quality
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.

  • Paths to QUALITY
  • On My Way Pre-K
  • Building capacity in your program
Request 1:1 Support Contacta en Español Resource Center
child care business
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:

  • Enhancing your child care business
  • Finding, hiring, onboarding, and retaining staff
  • Funding your child care business
Request 1:1 Support Contacta en Español Resource Center
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.

Subscribe

  • Newsletter Archive

    • Fall 2022
    • Summer 2022
    • Spring 2022
    • Winter 2022
  • Videos: YouTube

  • Text alerts: Text  childcare  to 833.222.1221

  • News & Stories: Our blog

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.

lucy intriago

Lucy Intriago

Bilingual Program Engagement Specialist
michelle terry headshot

Michelle Terry

Program Engagement Specialist
baby feet Grace Sededji

Grace Sededji

CCR&R Specialist
Quote Icon
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
CCA Logo White

Contact Us

info@childcareanswers.org
Phone: 317.636.5727 Toll Free: 800.272.2937
1776 N. Meridian St., Suite 101
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Our Partners

FSSA Logo

© 2023 Child Care Answers. All Rights Reserved.

Subscribe Privacy Policy
Twitter Logo
Facebook Logo
Instagram Logo
LinkedIn Logo
YouTube Logo
tiktok logo

What are you looking for?

Activity Ideas Businesses Community Families Family Engagement Food and Nutrition General Health & Safety Inclusion Infant and Toddler Last Day Q&A Pre-K Preschool Providers School Age