New online child care locator launches in Central Virginia

Nonprofit Thrive Birth to Five has launched Child Care Finder, a new online child care locator designed to help families find quality early learning programs for children from birth to age five. 

The tool offers a centralized way for users to explore care options, see which programs accept financial assistance and get connected to providers that fit their budgets. 

“Finding quality child care that fits a family’s needs shouldn’t be complicated,” said Ann Rohde Payes, chief executive officer of Thrive Birth to Five. “Child Care Finder gives families one place to explore dozens of child care providers in one place, at one time, see which programs offer financial support and make the right choice for them and their children. Child Care Finder allows families to search by ZIP code, travel route, transportation mode and child age. Many providers will share details about financial assistance, cost and enrollment openings helping families find the right program for their child.” 

The launch of the tool coincides with preschool application day on Feb. 14, a coordinated regional effort to help families apply early for publicly funded preschool programs, including the Virginia Preschool Initiative and Head Start. Early application increases access, supports school planning and gives children a strong foundation for kindergarten. 

“We hear frequently that families want to apply for school-based preschool programs, but they wait too late to apply,” said Payes. “Our hope with preschool application day, paired with the power of Child Care Finder, is that parents can do their research and get applications in early so their children are set up for success.” 

Thrive Birth to Five reaches the counties of Henrico, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Goochland, Hanover, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, Surry and Sussex counties, as well as the cities of Colonial Heights, Emporia, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond.