Child Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Where would I begin if I wanted to start or improve a child care center in my community?
Answer: Review the tools and documents listed on this RAC information guide, particularly the document, "How to Start a Quality Child Care Business." Contact the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) for information about child care in local communities, and for information regarding financial assistance, provider support organizations, training, marketing and business practices.
Question: What funding resources are available for rural child care centers?
Answer: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Child Care, the Small Business Administration, and the local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) all provide funding in the form of grants or loans to entities implementing child care services. Food programs are also available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Contact the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA) for information about state agencies and private organizations that provide financing and other resources. Also, RAC has a list of funding opportunities regarding child care.
Question: What role can community based and faith based organizations play in the provision of child care?
Answer: In addition to operating church-based child care facilities, congregations may consider adopting child care centers that need assistance with repairs, supplies, toys, and volunteers. Community and faith based organizations might also organize transportation assistance to and from child care facilities to ease the burden on families that already face long commute times to work.
Question: Where can I find a loan to start up a child care business?
Answer: The Small Business Administration (SBA) can be helpful in establishing a child care center. Call the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800-827-5722 or visit their website to request contact information for your area's Small Business Development Center.
Question: Where can I find licensing information for child care centers?
Answer: Most states have minimum licensing requirements for child care providers and they vary for the different types of providers. Contact your state's licensing agency to find out about the requirements in your state. To locate the licensing agency in your state, go to the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education.
Question: What options do states have in the design and implementation of child care programs that serve rural working families?
Answer: States can design their child care programs according to client needs. States may also consider providing tax credits to employers who provide child care for their employees or who subsidize child care expenses.
Question: What are some strategies for strengthening kith and kin child care services?
Answer: Kith and Kin care (the provision of child care by friends or family) is prevalent in many rural communities. These arrangements are less expensive and more flexible than traditional center based care. Many care givers lack the formalized training and licensing that center based care requires. To meet this need, states can provide training in health and safety issues. States can work to expedite licensing by assisting with the completion of necessary paperwork.
Last reviewed 06/29/2011
