For Parents

The first five years last forever. That’s why the decisions you make about early care and education are crucial. Maryland Family Network is here to help parents and caregivers navigate these early years with our LOCATE:  Child Care referral service along with advice and support to help you navigate your child’s first five years.

LOCATE: Child Care

Selecting child care is one of the most important decisions your family will make for your young child. Because your child’s first five years last forever, take the time to make the best choice.

Try LOCATE: Child Care

For free, personalized assistance, contact a LOCATE: Child Care referral specialist by calling 877.261.0060 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. A referral specialist will help you to identify child care options based on your family’s specific needs.

Para obtener referencias de proveedores licenciados por favor llame LOCATE: Child Care al 877.261.0060.

intake form

Save time by completing an online intake form, which can be found here, before speaking with a LOCATE: Child Care referral specialist. Once you have submitted the form, a referral specialist will contact you within three business days between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Some of our local Child Care Resource Centers can help you save even more time by completing their location specific intake forms:

Baltimore City  

Baltimore County, Harford, or Cecil Counties  

Anne Arundel or Prince George’s Counties  

Servicio Especial en Español

La filosofía del Red familiar (MFN es su sigla en inglés) es que todos los niños, independientemente del idioma que hablen, tienen derecho a cuidado infantil económico y de calidad. MFN cree que es el derecho de los padres tomar una decisión informada acerca del cuidado infantil. Por eso, MFN ha desarrollado el servicio LOCATE: Child Care en español. 

Este servicio está disponible a cualquier padre que habla español y vive en el estado de Maryland. Este es un servicio gratuito e individualizado ofrecido a los padres hispanohablantes que necesitan cuidado infantil.

PARENT EVENTS

MFN is the state’s lead agency for Strengthening Families Maryland. This is an initiative to promote family resiliency and the prevention of child abuse through resources for parents, locally developed community initiatives, workforce training, and statewide grant-making. When families are strong, they raise strong children, which create stronger communities. 

There are Strengthening Families initiatives in most states in the country and in other countries throughout the world. Researched and developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy over the last two decades. This is a research informed approach built on the five protective factors necessary to ensure the children grow up safe, healthy and happy. These factors are:

  • Parental Resilience
  • Social Connections
  • Concrete Support in Times of Need
  • Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
  • Social and Emotional Competence of Children

Parent Cafés

One of the ways MFN helps parents and other caregivers learn about the protective factors is through Parent Cafés. These are two-hour, structured get-togethers that engage parents and other adults in meaningful conversations about what matters most to families with young children and how to build protective factors at home and in early childhood settings. At Parent Cafés, those who care for young children share information and ideas that can help them to take care of themselves, develop strong relationships with children, and strengthen families. MFN provides Parent Café Facilitator training for representatives from organizations interested in offering Parent Cafés. For more information about Parent Cafés and Parent Café Facilitator training, contact our Training Department.

Maryland Family Network recognizes that parents and caregivers play important leadership roles in our community. MFN has developed an interactive, highly effective curriculum within our network of Family Support Centers to help parents develop and hone their leadership skills.

Parent Leadership Institute

The MFN Parent Leadership Institute helps parents gain the confidence to take active, productive leadership roles within their families and neighborhoods and to work collaboratively with others. Parents who participate in the two days of training will learn to become better advocates for themselves, their children and their communities.

The Parent Leadership curriculum provides training and practice in seven core areas:

  • Understanding parent leadership
  • Active listening
  • Critical thinking
  • Decision making
  • Communicating with impact
  • Public speaking and advocacy
  • Action planning

For more information about our Parent Leadership program, please contact our Training Department.

Choosing Child Care

A child care provider should be a warm and supportive influence in your child’s early years. A great provider will understand children’s needs at each age and stage of development, and will provide an enriching experience for your child and peace of mind for you. The steps listed below are designed to help you consider the details involved in making a well-informed decision about child care.

1. LOCATE: Child Care

LOCATE: Child Care is a free referral service for parents and caregivers seeking child care within their communities. LOCATE: Child Care’s Family Resource Specialists will help you find child care options near your home, work, school, or where ever is most convenient. They will consider requirements you have specified, including location, hours, cost, and other. LOCATE: Child Care can be reached at 877.261.0060 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or online anytime by visiting the search portal here. 

2. Phone Interview

Call all of the facilities you received from LOCATE: Child Care. Tell the provider your child’s age and the time period you are looking for care.

Here are some questions you may want to ask in an initial phone call:

  • What are your hours?
  • How many children do you care for and what are their ages?
  • Does the child care provider/child ratio allow for one-on-one attention to each child during the day?
  • Do you serve meals and snacks or do I need to provide food for my child?
  • When I have time, may I stay and watch my child at play?
3. Site Visit

Visit at least three programs–and take your child along. Observe the spaces, the child care provider(s), and the children. Make sure to ask to see the provider’s license.

Take a look at the following:

observe the environment
  • Do the spaces appear clean and safe for every age child in attendance? For example, is there a crib for each infant?
  • Is there enough area inside and out so all the children can have room to play?
  • Do the toys and materials support different types of age-appropriate play, such as imaginative play, building projects, and arts and crafts?
  • Is there a time and place for both quiet and active play?
observe the child care provider
  • Does the child care provider use a calm voice and speak with the children at their level?
  • Are you comfortable with the way the child care provider disciplines the children?
  • Does the child care provider praise accomplishments and help resolve conflicts?
  • Does the child care provider seem to enjoy and respect the children?
  • If your child is an infant, does the care provider connect with your baby by gently holding and talking to the baby?
  • Will the baby get attention when she/he is not crying?
observe the children
  • Are the children engaged in activities that are appropriate to their age and stage of development?
  • Are children offered choices to take part in activities that interest them?
  • Does the daily schedule allow children to play both indoors and outdoors, have nap time if appropriate, and participate in individual play and group activities?
  • Are the infants held and talked to in a reassuring way that helps them learn to trust that their needs will be met?
4. Interview Other Parents

Ask the child care provider if you may speak with other parents who use that home or center.

Here are some questions that may help you make your decision:

  • Does your child enjoy coming here?
  • What do you like most about this setting?
  • What are some of the things that you don’t like?
  • If you had to find care again, would you choose this place?
5. Make a Decision!
  • Go over the notes from your observations and interviews.
  • Narrow down the options to those that seem best for you and your child.
  • If you feel unsure about the program, visit again.
  • If you are not satisfied with the choices, call LOCATE: Child Care for more referrals.
  • If you are having a hard time finding care nearby, you may wish to expand your search parameters.
6. Remain Active

Below are actions designed to establish a sound long-term relationship between you and the provider:

  • Sign a contract before care begins. The contract should include:
    • Hours the program opens and closes
    • Holiday and vacation closures
    • What you will need to bring (e.g. food and snacks, a sleeping mat, extra clothing).
  • The best way to get to know your new program is to get involved. Attend parent meetings, help with arts and crafts projects or bring in snacks to share.
  • If you are pleased with the care your child receives, let the provider know. Good parent/provider communication benefits your child and is the key to a healthy relationship.
7. Need Help?