Child Care Resources
Why a Child Care Referral Service?
Being a working parent is a real challenge. Exploring new child care options and making good decisions can be very time consuming and confusing. From rattles to report cards, toilet training to tantrums, high chairs to high school, and everything in between, parents today have many decisions to make.
Whether you want to explore resources for parenting an infant, a toddler, a preschooler, a school-age child or a teenager, NIH's Child Care Resource & Referral Service is available to assist you.
How Does this Service Work?
When you call the WLC, you will be connected with a consultant who will discuss your family's needs with you in detail and will also answer any questions regarding child care or parenting issues that you may have. The consultant will research available options for you. To save you time, you will get referrals with the details spelled out: hours, price, location, type of program, etc. Throughout your search and selection process, the child care consultant will be available to assist you.
Customized Child Care & Parenting Referrals
- Family child care (care for small groups of children in the provider's home)
- Child care centers
- Nursery schools
- Before and after school care
- Nanny and Au Pair placement agencies
- Summer camps and programs
- Back-up, emergency, temporary, or sick child care
- Family resource organizations (single parents groups, childbirth classes, services for special needs, volunteer opportunities)
Key Benefits
- Customized referrals to available services in your area
- Personal guidance from a child care consultant
- Information to assess your child's physical, social, emotional and intellectual development
- Tip sheets, handbooks and other tools for evaluating options
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost for me to use the service?
Nothing. NIH pays for its employees and contractors to use this service. Of course, you are responsible for paying the fees that are charged by any service provider you use.
How often can I use the service?
As often as you need to. Call the service again if your initial needs have changed or if you want to find out about new options. Also, call if you want to plan for your family's future.
Does NIH offer on-campus child care?
Yes. There are three excellent NIH day care facilities; two on the main campus and one at Executive Boulevard. You can learn more about these centers from their web page. However, there are generally extensive waiting lists.
A Word about Choosing a Provider
This service will provide you with referrals, not recommendations. The quality of the resources you select cannot be guaranteed by the referral service, the NIH Work/Life Center, or by the NIH. The referral service will make every effort to furnish information to aid you in your decision, but only you can determine what meets your family's needs. You should carefully choose and closely monitor all arrangements you make for your child.
How to Reach Us
You can reach the Child Care Referral Service by calling the NIH Work/Life Center at (301) 435-1619 or TTY (301) 480-0690.
If calling during other times, please leave your confidential message, including your name and telephone number, and a consultant will return your call on the next business day.
