OEC and Child Care 2-1-1 Launch Enhanced Child Care and Youth Camp Search Tool

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), the agency responsible for the oversight of child care in Connecticut, has now made detailed inspection information of child care programs, including youth camps, easily accessible to parents. Through our partnership with United Way of Connecticut’s 2-1-1 Child Care, the statewide child care resource and referral service, families will now be able to find detailed program offerings and licensing and inspection information all in one place. United Way of Connecticut has expanded the 2-1-1 Child Care online search tool to incorporate this information to further assist families in selecting quality care for their children.

The newly enhanced 2-1-1 Child Care search tool helps parents find and learn more about home and center-based child care providers and youth camps near where they live or work. For providers, the enhanced search lookup tool will increase their reach and improve their ability to connect with and enroll families.

This tool helps families:

• Search for a provider or program by name or location
• Search for programs that serve specific age groups
• Search for programs with fees, hours, quality indicators, etc. that match their needs
• See any violations cited by the OEC over the past five years
• View OEC inspection reports and provider’s corrective action plans

OEC routinely inspects child care programs to ensure the standards Connecticut has set are being met. The results of these inspections are being made more accessible so parents can make an informed choice about available child care programs.

This project is part of a larger effort to emphasize the value of licensed care in Connecticut and help parents find licensed child care more easily. OEC communications with parents emphasize that child care providers who are regulated by the state are safe, nurturing places for children to learn and grow, and that licensing demonstrates a commitment to the safety and well-being of Connecticut’s children. Reviewing a provider’s inspection history should be only one part of a child care search; for example, parents should also take time to talk with other parents that have children enrolled in the program, visit the facility, and speak with staff.

We believe licensed child care providers play an integral part in the nurturing and development of Connecticut’s children. If you have questions about the licensing and inspection information in the search tool, please contact OEC at 860-500-4450. If you have any questions about other aspects of a 2-1-1 Child Care provider profile, please contact United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Child Care at 800-505-1000.