Surviving Parenthood Guide On-Line

Choosing Child Care

Finding a childcare situation to meet your specific needs may be a frustrating task. Childcare you can afford, in a convenient location, with the hours when you need them, can be difficult to find on your own. Very often there are long waiting lists...PLAN AHEAD. The Child Care Council keeps a current file on all types
of childcare situations.

For information and referral call:
Central (925) 676-KIDS, East (925) 778-KIDS,
West (510) 233-5439, Administration (925) 676-5442

Awareness is key

The majority of childcare settings are safe and provide quality care. However, parents should take some precautionary measures:

  • Visit the facility before you make a decision to send your child. Look at their license - note on the license the expiration date and how many children are allowed.
  • Obtain a list of other parents with children in the center and call them for references.
  • Find out the center’s policies on discipline, naptime, toilet training, feeding, etc. Decide whether these policies are compatible with your own practices. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IS ILLEGAL IN LICENSED CHILD-CARE FACILITIES.
  • Make unannounced visits to the facility. Be suspicious if you are told you can only visit at certain times.
  • Listen to what your child tells you about the child care. Notice any sudden changes in your child’s behavior.
  • If you suspect a problem, share your concerns with other parents. Report suspicions of abuse or get more information from Child Protective Services or the police.
  • To register or inquire about a complaint against a child care facility, call Community Care Licensing at (510) 622-2602

Child Care Services

Booth Child Care Center
Oakland: (510) 535-5088
Provides subsidized child care for all parents of
children birth-5 that are eligible for this program.
Currently has a waiting list. Free or sliding scale fee.
Services available in Spanish, Tagalog, Mandarin,
Vietnamese and Mien.

Contra Costa Child Care Council
Central: (925) 676-KIDS
East: (925) 778-KIDS
West: (510) 758-5439
http://www.cocokids.org
Referrals to child care facilities and other child and
parent-related services. Resource library, quarterly
newsletter. Finger-printing arranged for people starting
a licensed family day care home or child care center.
Nutrition education and subsidy for licensed family
daycare homes. Nutrition education and subsidy
training for parents and providers. Services are free.
Services available in Spanish and Farsi.

The Pittsburg Preschool and Community Council
(925) 439-2061
http://www.ppscc.org (under construction)
Community-based organization offering the following
programs: Childcare, preschool and after-school
programs, education and job training, family and youth
services (including a kinship program), health education
and outreach, HIV education and support, other
supportive services.

Trustline
(800) 822-8490
http://www.trustline.org
California background check for in-home child care
conducted by the California Department of Social
Services. Spanish services available. Fee for service.

Turner Kids’ Clubs
Antioch: (925) 706-1669
http://www.kidsclub-batc.com
Provides preschool and child care services to children
ages 3-11 years. Children learn by doing in this
developmental program. Kids’ Clubs provide a warm,
friendly atmosphere conducive to the development of
the whole child. Fees based on family size and income.