High-quality, affordable child care starts here. 

Serving San Mateo County’s children, families, child care providers, and the early childhood community. 

WHAT WE DO

Providing Child Care Resources & Referrals Since 1972 

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Upcoming Events

JULY 25, 2026

Preventative Health

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JULY 31, 2026

兒科心肺復甦術和急救課程[國語/中文/普通話授課]

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AUGUST 18, 2026

CHOOSING CHILD CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS

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AUGUST 20, 2026

ELEGIR CUIDADO INFANTIL PARA NIÑOS CON NECESIDADES EXCEPCIONALES

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AUGUST 28, 2026

CPR/RCP Pediátrica Primeros Auxilios

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AUGUST 29, 2026

Prácticas de Salud Preventiva

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

兒科心肺復甦術和急救課程[粵語/廣東話授課]

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2026

預防性健康培訓課程 [粵語/廣東話授課]

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FOR FAMILIES

Choosing Child Care 

Types of Child Care, Simplified 

Choosing child care is a personal decision—only you can determine what’s right for your child and your family. Explore the different types of child care and early education to help you choose with confidence. 

What to Consider by Age

Children’s needs change as they grow. Walk through what to look for at each age—from infants to preschoolers to school-age kids—so you can decide which child care setting is a good fit for your child’s stage of growth. 

Questions to Ask Care Providers 

Visiting a child care program and talking with the staff can give you a clear sense of how the program runs and whether it’s a fit for your child. Not sure what to talk about? Here are key questions to help you get the conversation started.

GET INVOLVED

Support Our Impact

Join the Community

Help ensure children in San Mateo County receive high-quality care and early education by joining the 4Cs network.

By the Numbers

See a numerical breakdown of 4Cs’ impact—including the number of families supported and workshops held, financial data, and more—in our latest Annual Report.

Donate

Support our community’s children, families, and care providers by making a tax-deductible donation to 4Cs.