Making Child Care
Work for You
For families, child care providers, and employers in San Diego County
Over 45 years of experience
Access to 5,200 child care
providers county-wide
Free resources for you
Families
We help families find and pay for child care that meets their needs.
Child Care Providers
Get help building a sustainable, thriving child care business.
Employers
Partner with us to create real solutions for working parents.
For Families
HELPING YOU FIND AND PAY FOR CHILD CARE
The search for child care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Y is here to make it easier. With access to over 5,200 child care providers across the county—including child care centers, family home daycares, after school programs, camps, and more —we can connect you with options that fit your schedule, budget, and unique needs.
Our free child care referral service includes:
- Making calls on your behalf to find current openings
- Financial assistance opportunities you may qualify for
- Specialized resources for children with unique needs
- Friendly guidance from real people who care
Call 1-800-481-2151 to get started. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
FIND CHILD CARE IN 3 EASY STEPS
1. Call us at 1-800-481-2151
Call or email us to get started. Our team supports parents and caregivers across San Diego County in finding the right child care.
2. Get PERSONALIZED guidance
Our child care navigators will help you understand your options and access valuable resources.
3. Find your child care solution
We’ll contact child care providers on your behalf and provide a customized list of available options that meet your needs.
For CHILD CARE PROVIDERS
WE'RE YOUR PARTNER, COACH, AND FRIEND
We’re here to help your child care business succeed with the tools and guidance you need. Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the industry for years, our team is committed to supporting your growth in quality, safety, and business success.
Here’s how we can support you:
- Expert-led trainings on quality standards, safety, and business practices
- Personalized business coaching and child care industry insights
- Resources to strengthen your program and improve outcomes
For Business & Organizations
SUPPORTING your workforce
with child care solutions
When working parents struggle to find child care, it’s not just families who feel the impact—businesses do too. That’s why we partner with companies to create real solutions that help employees access reliable, affordable child care.
As San Diego’s child care experts with over 40 years of experience, we’re here to help you:
- Understand your employees’ unique child care needs
- Connect your staff to child care, camps, and after school programs across San Diego County
- Support your employees in exploring their options for financial assistance
The team at the Y consistently goes above and beyond, making our employees, here at March and Ash, feel heard and giving them peace of mind. Giving our employees this peace of mind allows them to remain focused at work, knowing their child is well taken care of. This partnership has greatly enhanced the well-being of our staff, and we couldn't be more grateful for the YMCA's dedication and support.”
You can trust our proven track record of helping thousands of families in San Diego
We offer a variety of resources for families to help make informed decisions about their child care options.
TrustLine
TrustLine is California’s registry of in-home child care providers.
1-800-822-8490
www.TrustLine.org
REFERRAL POLICY
YMCA Childcare Resource Service (YMCA CRS) is funded by the California Department of Social Services to provide child care referral services to parents and child care providers in San Diego County, review our Referral Policy.
AT THE Y, YOU'RE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY
At YMCA Childcare Resource Service, we make child care work for families, providers, and employers across San Diego County. We connect families with quality child care and financial assistance, equip providers with training and resources to strengthen their businesses, and partner with employers to create family-friendly workplace solutions. As a trusted community resource, we’re committed to strengthening and sustaining a child care system that works for everyone.
Easy Access to Child Care Provider Trainings
Creating a Calm and Quiet Space
Our Advocacy Efforts
Inspiring Action and Positive Change
Childcare is a cornerstone of thriving families and communities. It enables parents to work, supports children’s development, and strengthens economic stability. However, for many families in San Diego, child care is becoming increasingly unaffordable. This financial burden forces families to make difficult decisions about work, caregiving, and their future.
Providers are also under immense pressure. Rising costs and changes like the expansion of transitional kindergarten (TK) are making it harder for small, community-based childcare businesses to sustain infant and toddler care. Without proper support, many are closing, leaving families with fewer options.
At the Y, we are committed to addressing the child care crisis by building a sustainable system that supports both families and providers. As part of the Children First Collective San Diego, we work alongside passionate organizations and advocates to ensure that quality, affordable child care is accessible to all working families. We also strive to ensure that child care workers are compensated, supported, and respected as the professional educators they are.
