​ Finding Child Care Child Care is one of the most important decisions a family will make.  It is most important that families select child care that meets the special physical, social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral and creative needs of their children.  These lay an important foundation for school readiness and support academic achievement. Who can I call for referrals for child care around my work or home? Children's Home Society of California, 714-543-2273 What types of child care are there? What do I look for in a quality child care center? Finding Quality Child Care Brochure English, Spanish, Vietnamese Accreditation What if I need help paying for child care and development services? Early Care and Education Resource Continuum -- Lists various child care and development resources for ages 0-12 Orange County Centralized Eligibility List for Alternative Payment Programs -- Managed by Children's Home Society of California, connects parents searching for help paying for child care, with the programs providing assistance. Parents must meet eligibility requirements, 714-543-2273 OCDE Child Care Services  -- Program helps subsidize child care payments for eligible families throughout the county of Orange Orange County Head Start -- A comprehensive child development program designed to meet the education, emotional, social, health and nutritional needs for enrolled children and families.  Parents must meet eligibility requirements Other Subsidized Agencies Providing Full Day Care for Birth to Twelve and Preschool -- A listing of programs that general child care (Serving ages 0-12) and state preschool (serving ages 3 and 4) to provide them with appropriate child development services.  Parents must meet eligibility requirements 2016-2017 OC ASES and 21st CCLC Funded Sites.pdf -- Free or low cost listing of the ASES and 21st CCLC Programs in Orange County-- Free or low cost listing of the ASES and 21st CCLC Programs in Orange County What if my child has special needs? Child Care Programs/After School Programs Having Experience/Training for Children with Special Needs -- A listing of child care programs and after school programs compiled by the Council's Inclusion Collaborative Subcommittee.  These programs self-identify experience and training for children with special needs