For information about the availability of child care, contact your local child care resource and referral (CCR&R) agency. It is a community agency that can help you choose high-quality child care that meets local regulations and standards and that best meets your needs. To learn how to locate a CCR&R agency in your area, visit the National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center (NCCIC), a service of the Child Care Bureau.
Information about child care for Federal employees (including military personnel) is available on the Web, including links to information from the Government Services Administration, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Early Head Start (EHS):
EHS is a federally funded, community-based program for low-income families with infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. It offers children and families comprehensive child development services through center-based programs, home-visiting programs, and a combination of program options. EHS hours of operation vary from program to program. To find out how to contact a local EHS program in your area, call 866-763-6481.
Head Start:
Head Start is a federally funded, community-based child development program for children 3 to 5 years old and their families. It is a child-focused program and has the overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children from low-income families. Head Start serves children whose family income is at or below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Like EHS, Head Start programs may serve a limited number of children from families who earn more than this income limit. Programs can provide care through the traditional half-day and part-year hours, the full-day and full-year hours, or the half-day and school-year hours. To find a local Head Start program in your area, call 866-763-6481.
State-funded prekindergarten programs:
Some States have prekindergarten programs that are designed to give 3- and 4-year-old children the experiences they need to be ready for kindergarten. These programs usually last 2 1/2 to 6 hours of a school day. To find out if there is a program in your area and whether you are eligible to participate, contact your local CCR&R agency.
Your State education agency may also provide information about prekindergarten programs in your area. To learn how to contact this agency, visit it online.
There may also be private and locally funded prekindergarten programs in your area. To find contact information for these, look in your telephone directory.
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