CCFS Family Services
Choosing child care is one of the most important decisions families make
But, many must make this critical choice without enough information and without the assurance that their children will receive high-quality care. Child Care & Family Services is here to help you make the right choice for your children. By calling our toll-free parent referral line, 1-800-282-0874 you can find out which child care providers have openings in your area. Using a computerized database of all licensed childcare providers in the region, the resource & referral counselors are able to search by geographical area, age of children, hours of operation, and other specialized needs. In addition, you can receive information on how child care resource and referral works; a packet of specialized materials with resources on parenting and choosing child care; referrals to other agencies; and answers to specific questions about your child care needs.
Child Care Resource & Referral provides a referral service only and we do not license, endorse or recommend any particular provider. Only you can determine whether the quality of care is appropriate for your child.
You can contact our program for referrals in a variety of ways:
- Free Parent Line: 1-800-282-0874 (available Monday – Friday 8am-5pm)
- Find Child Care Online
- In person at: 2500 NE 65th Ave, Vancouver WA 98661
Download these informative brochures:
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| Defining Quality Care | Provider Interview Questions |
School Readiness:
For Parents:
Is your child ready for kindergarten? School expectations have changed. For parents not familiar with the public school system, it can be challenging to understand how to best prepare your child for kindergarten. Research clearly shows that too often, children who start school behind – stay behind. Child Care and Family Services offers a wide range of programs and services designed to help parents nurture their child’s full potential. Personal visits allow parents the opportunity to receive individually tailored services and supports – including developmental screenings to ensure development is on track. In addition, group literacy experiences are offered in conjunction with community partners through the Read and Play program. Several schools in Clark County have Kindergarten Transition Teams comprised of parents, school staff and community members all working toward strengthening the transition process. Click on the following link to request a free kindergarten readiness brochure entitled: How will I know my child is ready for Kindergarten? You are your child’s first and most important teacher and we are here to help. We look forward to hearing from you.
Parents as Teachers
Being a parent is hard work. In the first few years, children learn more and at a faster pace than at any other time in life. You help shape your child’s future through the kinds of experiences you provide. Your baby was born to learn, and as a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.
Child Care and Family Services is here to help you!
Parents are supported by Parents as Teachers-certified parent educators trained to translate scientific information on early brain development into specific when, what, how and why advice for families. By understanding what to expect during each stage of development, parents can easily capture the teachable moments in everyday life to enhance their child’s language development, intellectual growth, social development and movement skills.
As a Child Care and Family Services family, you receive:
- Personal visits –Your parent educator will share child development and parenting information, help you learn to observe your child, and address your parenting concerns. Our parent education and family support program serves families from pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten, usually age 5.
- Weekly Read and Play groups – Free weekly group activities for children ages birth to five years and their parent / caregivers. The Read and Play includes a librarian lead storytime and a learning activity for parents and child to do together. There is opportunity to share information about parenting issues and child development. Parents learn and support each other, observe their children with other children and practice parenting skills.
- Discovery Kits —Parents may check out free tubs full of books, puzzles, music, learning activities and parenting information. Discovery Kits can be checked out from the Read and Play for two weeks. Both children and caregivers love them!
- Screenings – To check your child’s skills in language, movement, thinking, relationships and self care. We also look at health, hearing and vision.
- Resource network – Links your family to other community services.
- Benchmark Cards – A quick and easy way to find a fun learning activity that is just at your child’s level of learning.