Childcare in Anaheim: Choose Care That Fits Your Hours

Start with your coverage and pickup requirements

Write down the earliest drop-off and latest pickup you need, including travel time. Add your child’s age, school, care days, allergies, and any support needs you want to discuss. Tell prospective caregivers whether you need school collection, care during breaks, or occasional evening coverage.

Ask who accepts your child at arrival and who checks the identity of the person collecting them. Describe what you expect if you run late or another adult must collect your child. Request a written pickup policy and agree on an emergency contact who can reach the site.

For school-based care, ask who handles the handoff from the classroom and what happens on early-dismissal days. Before paying a deposit, confirm the start date and request written confirmation of the schedule you have agreed to.

Compare licensed care and informal arrangements

CDSS describes licensed family childcare as care in the provider’s home and childcare centers as programs operating in commercial settings. The state licenses both settings. Family, friend, or neighbor care can qualify as license-exempt care in the child’s or caregiver’s home. [3]

Choose the setting after discussing your child’s routine. During a visit, ask how the caregiver handles meals, rest, toileting, conflicts, and communication with parents. Request details about who will care for your child and how the provider handles staff or caregiver absences.

For an informal arrangement, discuss references, relevant training, emergency response, transport, and backup coverage. Agree on duties and hours in writing. If a caregiver describes their service as license-exempt, ask them to explain the basis for that status rather than assuming that any home-based service qualifies.

Check licensing records before enrolling

Ask a licensed provider for its facility name and license number, then compare the provider’s details with the CDSS facility search. The state’s parent guidance directs families to inspection reports, violations, and inspection history. CDSS also makes complaint investigation reports available. [2] [3]

CDSS says its online search contains five years of facility information. For more detail about a citation or facility, contact the regional office listed with the facility’s record. Ask the provider to explain any concern you find and describe the steps taken to address it. [2]

Visit before deciding. CDSS advises families to see facilities in person and ask for the most current licensing information; licensed facilities must provide that information. Use the visit to discuss your child’s needs, watch the arrival process, and confirm the rooms and outdoor areas your child would use. [2]

Plan around S.T.A.R.S. supervision and closures

The City of Anaheim offers S.T.A.R.S. for children ages 5–16. The program includes academic support, arts, sports, and recreation. At community locations, the city lists afterschool hours ending at 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with different hours possible during school breaks and closures on holidays. [1]

Treat the departure policy as a deciding factor. The city encourages participants to remain on site but allows them to come and go. Staff do not take responsibility for children who leave the program area. If you require controlled release to an authorized adult, ask a prospective care provider to confirm that arrangement. [1]

The S.T.A.R.S. partnership with Anaheim Elementary School District’s ELOP operates at six elementary campuses and follows the district’s bell schedule and school-year calendar. The city labels those sites closed during summer. Confirm the relevant campus arrangements and plan separate summer coverage before relying on the school-year schedule. [1]

Request a complete quote and check assistance

Request a written quote for the hours you need. Ask whether the total includes registration, meals, school transport, late pickup, and care during school breaks. Clarify payment during absences, holiday closures, cancellation notice, and deposit refunds. Compare offers using the same schedule and duties.

CDSS directs parents to local Child Care Resource and Referral programs for provider directories and help finding care. Its statewide assistance number is 1-800-KIDS-7933. Ask for referrals serving your part of Anaheim, your child’s age, and your required hours, then confirm openings with each provider. [3]

California’s assistance options include vouchers for eligible families and direct enrollment in subsidized centers. Vouchers can cover licensed centers, licensed family childcare homes, or qualifying license-exempt care. Some license-exempt caregivers may need a background check before receiving voucher reimbursement. Ask the administering agency about eligibility and provider approval before assuming it will pay for your chosen arrangement. [3]

S.T.A.R.S. locations listed by the City of Anaheim

Choose an arrangement to investigate

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down the care schedule, school handoff, travel time, and backup pickup contact.
2. Ask each provider to confirm age acceptance, start date, and coverage during school breaks.
3. For licensed care, match the provider’s details to the state record and review current licensing information.
4. Visit and discuss daily routines, emergency response, and your child’s support needs.
5. Confirm who may collect your child and how the caregiver handles late pickup.
6. Request a complete written quote with closure, absence, deposit, and cancellation terms.
7. Ask the referral or subsidy agency about eligibility and approval before counting on assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use S.T.A.R.S. for care until I collect my child?

Discuss your expectations with the city first. S.T.A.R.S. allows participants to leave freely, and staff do not take responsibility for children who leave the program area. Choose another arrangement if you require staff to retain supervision until authorized pickup. [1]

How do I check a licensed childcare provider?

Use the CDSS facility search to review the record, visit the facility, and ask for current licensing information. Contact the regional office shown in the record for more detail about citations or facility history. [2] [3]

Can assistance pay for care from a relative or neighbor?

California’s voucher programs can cover qualifying license-exempt family, friend, or neighbor care. Eligibility rules apply, and the caregiver may need a background check for reimbursement. Confirm approval with the administering agency before relying on payment. [3]

Where can I get help finding care that matches my hours?

CDSS recommends local Child Care Resource and Referral programs and gives 1-800-KIDS-7933 for assistance. Describe your child’s age, location, and schedule. Confirm availability and terms with the providers you contact. [3]