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.

LOCATE: Child Care Now

What is LOCATE: Child Care

LOCATE: Child Care, is a free and confidential referral service that will help you find the best child care for your family. The program is affiliated with all of Maryland’s regulated child care providers. Our referral options include:

When a parent contacts LOCATE: Child Care , a resource and referral support specialist will:

  • Discuss the family’s child care preferences, including type of care, location, cost, and other variables;
  • Describe the type of child care available;
  • Explain guidelines for quality child care; 
  • Search the LOCATE: Child Care database to present you with a list of options;
  • Provide current information on early childhood education and best child care practices; and
  • Link the caller to other resources, such as the Maryland Child Care Scholarship Program.

Download our High Quality Care Checklist and use it when interviewing or visiting child care programs. 

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 resource and referral support specialist will contact you within three business days between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Please Note: Maryland Family Network will be closed from December 23 to January 2. You can expect to receive your referral by January 6, 2025.  We appreciate your understanding. 

You can also call LOCATE: Child Care at 877.261.0060 Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

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