Child Care Network of the Cape & Islands

For Families

Information & Referral

Whether you are a brand new parent just exploring child care options, a parent of a child who needs after school care or someone who is looking for a certain type of child care provider, Child Care Network is your single access point of information. Services are available to families of all income levels. Call (508) 778-9470 or (888) 530-2430 and ask to speak to an Information and Referral Counselor.

Child Care Network's information & referral services are free, confidential and available in languages other than English. We offer referrals to licensed and legally operating child care programs. We do not make recommendations. Families are encouraged to contact the Department of Early Education & Care, the state licensing agency, for a compliance history on any licensed program. You can contact the licensors at the Taunton office at 508-828-5025. We continually strive to improve our services.

Compliments & complaints regarding our I&R services should be forwarded to the CCN Program Director, either by email: or by phone (508) 778-9470 or toll-free (888) 530-2430.

Compliments & complaints regarding a child care provider should be forwarded to the CCN Program Director, by email: or by phone (508) 778-9470. You may also contact the Department of Early Education & Care directly by dialing (508) 828-5025, press extension 0 and ask to speak with a licensor.

 

The Daily Parent - a newsletter offering the latest information on child development issues.

Child Care Options the types of child care available are explained.

Contacting EEC Department of Early Education & Care is the licensing agency for child care.

Finding Child Care How to get a listing of available child care providers.

 

Some ways in which you can recognize a quality program including links & tips.
Helpful Links       Quality Indicators       Financial Resources

 

Helpful Links

5 Steps to Choosing Quality Child Care - from Child Care Aware

Is this the right place for my child - This is a checklist of 38 questions to evaluate child care programs from NACCRRA, the National Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.

Staff to child ratios - A breakdown of types of care available and the staffing requirements.

Guidelines to help find a place where you feel comfortable leaving your child. The guidelines are offered by Child Care Aware.

Choosing Child Care Checklist (pdf). Tips on choosing child care from EEC.

View EEC licensing regulations, and teacher/provider requirements.

 

Quality Indicators

  • Childcare providers listed with CCN must be licensed by the state or legally operating.
  • All licensed providers must have their license on display. The license will list their capacity (the number of children they are legally licensed to have in care).
  • They must be current with their first aid/CPR certification.
  • All licensed caregivers have a CORI (a criminal background check) and a DSS/DCF background check. These background checks are also given to any family member 15 years of age or older, living with a family child care provider and any additional staff working in a child care center setting, such as maintenance staff.
  • Legally operating programs are typically located in a public school setting or in a religious setting. Check with the overseeing school or district for background information.
  • Child Care Network strongly recommends that parents interview prospective child care providers and ask for references.
  • Call Child Care Network at 508-778-9470 or toll-free 888-530-2430 and ask to speak with an information and referral counselor with any questions or for further information.

 

Financial Resources

Child Care Network manages state subsidies to assist families with their child care costs. Families should contact Child Care Network for information and to possibly have their names placed on an income eligible waitlist. Call CCN at 508-778-9470.

Department of Transitional Assistance If you currently receive or have received cash assistance within the past year and are working, or looking to return to work, you may be eligible to receive tuition assistance with a voucher for child care. Contact DTA for information. Hyannis Transitional Assistance Office, 77 High School Road Ext. Hyannis, MA 02601. Phone: (508) 862-6600 www.mass.gov/dta

Food Stamps This site can help with information on whether you may be eligible for food stamps, what you can buy, and how you can apply for them. www.gettingfoodstamps.org

Child Support Information The Department's Child Support Enforcement Division (CSE) helps parents. They establish paternity and child support orders, and collect child support. www.mass.gov/dor/

Child Care Tax Credit If you work and have children, you are eligible for several tax credits. Whether or not you owe income tax, you must file a tax return to get these credits. Call the IRS toll-free number 1-800-TAX-1040 to find out where you can get FREE help with your taxes.

Military Families Department of Defense subsidies for military families. NACCRRA is working with DoD to help those who serve in the military find and afford child care that suits their unique needs. www.naccrra.org/MilitaryPrograms/

UPDATE - The Chatham Community Child Care Scholarship is no longer available- all the funding has been spent for this fiscal year.


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