4Cs helps families in San Mateo County find, select and pay for high-quality child care.

Find Child Care

Browse our online database of child care providers to find a program in San Mateo County that meets your family’s needs.

Need help finding care?

Call our Resource and Referral staff who are available to assist you, answer questions and provide resources on how to select a provider.

Call (650) 517-1460 (English) and (650) 517-1461 (Español).

Help Paying for Child Care

4Cs provides subsidized care (financial assistance) to families who meet income and eligibility requirements. Our program allows parents to use the child care provider of their choice as long as that provider meets eligibility requirements.

FOR FAMILIES

Choosing Child Care 

Types of Child Care, Simplified 

Learn about the five different types of child care and early education to help you choose a provider that is right for your family.

What to Consider by Age

Learn how children’s needs change as they grow so that you can decide which child care setting will be a good fit for your child’s stage of growth.

Questions to Ask Care Providers 

Talking with care providers can help you decide if their program is the right fit for your child. Use these key questions to guide the conversation.