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.

Or, 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.

Our LOCATE: Child Care Special Needs Service is also available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 800.261.0060 or learn more about finding care for children with special needs here

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

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 referral 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 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