Childcare Referral Policy

Table of Contents

 Quick Facts

• The ECEP Resource and Referral programs' primary goal is to assist families locate affordable, quality licensed child care options countywide.
• Referrals are available Monday through Thursday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
  • Individuals can also make requests by voice mail - (760) 312-6544.
• Referrals are available to all persons, regardless of income or other eligibility requirements.
• Referrals are available in both English and Spanish.
• There is no charge for this service.
• All information collected is confidential.
   

Does ECEP Make Childcare Recommendations?

ECEP makes referrals only -- we do not make recommendations. When parents call ECEP Resource and Referrals, we try to give them the widest possible selection of licensed child care providers and licensed exempt centers. Our goal is to support parents by giving them information on the available child care options.

We believe that parents are best able to choose and evaluate child care for their children because parents know their children’s need better than anyone.  We recommend that parents visit each facility and carefully interview the provider and staff before placing a child in care. Responsibility for selecting and employing a child care provider rests with each parent.

We cannot guarantee the quality of the providers in our files, nor do we recommend one provider over another.  State law requires licensed facilities to make accessible to the public a copy of any licensing report pertaining to the facility that documents a facility visit or substantiated complaint. Parents may also contact Community Care Licensing at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 110, San Diego, California 92108, (619) 767-2200 for more comprehensive information. 

Countywide Referral Listings

ECEP maintains a listing of all licensed child care facilities countywide.  We update this listing on a quarterly basis to ensure accurate information is provided to parents.  If facilities have any changes prior to the quarterly update, it is their responsibility to contact us.  A random child care referral system has been established to provide fair referrals to all licensed child care options.
  

Removal from Countywide Listing

Referrals to licensed providers may be discontinued when the ECEP Director receives information from the California Department of Social Services that a child care provider or facility within its services delivery area has been issued a temporary suspension, has had its license revoked, or has been placed on probation.

What Happens When a Provider is Removed?

ECEP will notify the provider, in writing, of the removal and the process for appealing the decision.  Child Development Services will also notify the Alternative Payment Program, CalWORKS child care and development programs and County welfare departments that operate CalWORKs Stage 1 of the temporary suspension, license revocation or probation.

Once the allegation has been resolved the provider will be reinstated and will receive referrals. All information is confidential.

Return to Top