Childcare & Return-to-Work Resources
Parenting comes with joy, questions, and real worries—especially around child care. Whether you're returning to work, exploring your options, or just needing a break, Utah offers resources to help you find safe, reliable care, get expert parenting tips, and even access financial support. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—there’s a caring team ready to walk beside you every step of the way.
Quick Links
Childcare Resource Agency
Childcare Resource Agency’s free statewide child care resource and referral service helps parents find safe, reliable, and affordable child care that fits their family’s needs. Whether you’re returning to work, starting school, or just need a trusted caregiver, this program guides you to licensed providers, practical tips, and financial help—so you can make the best choice for your child.
What They Offer
- Child Care Search Tool: Easily locate licensed child care near you and filter by location, hours, cost, and more.
- Personal Referrals & Guidance: Talk with a referral specialist for one-on-one help finding the right caregiver for your child.
- Quality & Safety Information: Learn about caregiver qualifications, group sizes, and state standards so you can choose with confidence.
- Financial Help & Subsidy Links: Get connected to child care subsidies and advice for budgeting your child care expenses.
How to Get Help
Call: 1-855-531-2468 for the free child care referral line.
Website: jobs.utah.gov/occ/cac.html (look for “Parents: search for quality care” to start searching or request a referral).
Service Area: Statewide.
Why It Matters
Finding someone you trust to care for your child can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Childcare Resource Agency puts helpful, judgment-free support at your fingertips, connecting you to quality providers, guidance, and peace of mind. You’ll have more confidence in your choices and more time to focus on your family, knowing your baby is safe and cared for while you work or study.
Utah Department of Workforce Services – Child Care Assistance
Utah’s Child Care Assistance program, run by the Department of Workforce Services (DWS), helps pay for child care so you can work, attend school, or train for a better job. If you qualify, DWS pays a portion—or sometimes all—of your daycare costs directly to your provider.
What They Offer
- Child Care Subsidy: Financial help for parents who are working, job-seeking, or enrolled in education or training.
- Employment Support & Family Employment Programs: Tailored help for parents working, receiving public assistance, or participating in job training.
- Kids in Care Program: Short-term coverage for unemployed parents while they job-hunt, interview, or attend required workshops.
- Flexible, Ongoing Coverage: Subsidies renew yearly and can adjust as your needs change; eligibility is broad, and many non-citizens qualify.
How to Get Help
Call: 801-526-9675 (DWS Customer Service, ask about “child care assistance”).
Website: jobs.utah.gov/occ (apply online through the “myCase” portal).
Service Area: Statewide, with DWS offices throughout the state.
Why It Matters
Paying for child care shouldn’t stop you from building a secure future. This program can turn the impossible into the doable, covering most or all of your child care expenses so you can earn a living, get more education, or simply breathe a little easier.
Neighborhood House – Sliding Scale Childcare (Salt Lake County)
Neighborhood House is a nonprofit childcare center in Salt Lake City offering high-quality daycare, preschool, and afterschool programs on a sliding fee scale based on your income. Their mission is to make safe, enriching care accessible to families of all income levels. This is a welcoming place for working parents who need reliable full-day care, especially for infants and toddlers, at rates that won’t break the bank.
What They Offer
- Full-Day Infant and Toddler Care: Licensed care for children starting at 15 months through pre-K, open Monday–Friday during standard work hours.
- Preschool & After-School Programs: Quality preschool for ages 3–5, plus after-school care and summer camps for children up to age 12 (with transportation from certain local schools).
- Sliding Scale Fees: Tuition is based on your income; scholarships and donor support help fill any gaps so no family is turned away for inability to pay.
- Inclusive, Enriching Environment: Children enjoy meals, snacks, art, music, outdoor play, and intergenerational activities.
- Bilingual and Culturally Competent Staff: Many staff are bilingual (English/Spanish) and welcome all families and backgrounds.
- Low Child-to-Teacher Ratios: Prioritizing quality and individual attention.
How to Get Help
Call: 801-363-4589 (Neighborhood House main children’s center line).
Website: nhutah.org (see the “Children’s Center” section for enrollment info and the online inquiry form).
Service Area: Primarily Salt Lake County (center is in Glendale, west SLC), but families from nearby counties are welcome if they can commute.
Why It Matters
Finding affordable, trustworthy childcare can be tough—especially if you don’t qualify for free programs. Neighborhood House ensures no parent has to sacrifice quality for cost, offering flexible fees and a welcoming, diverse environment where kids are safe, loved, and learning. You can focus on work or school knowing your child is thriving while you build your future.
Family Support Centers (Crisis Nursery Services)
Family Support Centers across Utah provide free, short-term crisis nursery care for children (usually up to age 11) and extra support for families in moments of stress, crisis, or need. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency, feeling overwhelmed, or just need a safe break, these centers are a welcoming haven—offering professional childcare, classes, and a nonjudgmental listening ear.
What They Offer
- Crisis Nursery: Licensed, safe, care for your child for a few hours, or up to 72 hours in urgent situations.
- Emergency Overnight Care: Help during medical, legal, or family crises when you have no one else to turn to.
- Parenting Classes & Coaching: Free or low-cost workshops and one-on-one guidance to help you grow as a parent.
- Wraparound Support: Some centers offer housing referrals, counseling, and other tools to help your family thrive.
- Adoption Respite & Counseling: Special support for adoptive families and those processing emotions around adoption.
How to Get Help
Call: Varies by location. Salt Lake County’s 24/7 Crisis Nursery line is 385-231-1209; check utahfamilies.org for other locations.
Website: utahfamilies.org – Use the “Find a Center” tool for the nearest Family Support Center.
Service Area: Wasatch Front (Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis, Weber, Utah counties) and many other areas statewide.
Why It Matters
Parenting can be overwhelming, especially during times of stress or transition. Family Support Centers exist so you never have to feel desperate or alone in caring for your children. Even in the most challenging moments, you’ll find a safe place, kind people, and practical solutions—so you can take care of yourself and your family with less fear and more hope.
Early Head Start & Head Start Programs
Head Start and Early Head Start are free, comprehensive early childhood programs for families with limited income, serving children from birth to age five—including expectant parents. They offer education, health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support at no cost, with both classroom and home-based options. The goal is to give every child a strong, healthy start and empower parents along the way.
What They Offer
- High-Quality Early Learning: Play-based classrooms or home visits to nurture your child’s growth and readiness for school.
- Health & Nutrition: Healthy meals, snacks, and developmental, medical, and dental screenings to keep your child thriving.
- Family Advocacy: A dedicated Family Advocate to help you set goals, access resources, and celebrate your parenting journey.
- Flexible Schedules: Center-based and home-based options to fit your work or family life; diapers and supplies provided at no charge.
- Inclusive Services: Welcoming to children with disabilities, foster families, or those experiencing homelessness.
How to Get Help
Call: Head Start Info Line: 1-866-763-6481.
Website: utahca.org/head-start for Salt Lake and Tooele. For other locations, find your local program using the Head Start Program Locator at headstart.gov.
Service Area: All Utah counties, with multiple centers in the Wasatch Front (Salt Lake, Tooele, Davis, Weber, and Utah counties).
Why It Matters
Head Start is more than just daycare—it’s a supportive team dedicated to your child’s future and your own well-being. While your baby learns and grows in a nurturing environment, you gain a community of support, parenting resources, and the freedom to work or study with peace of mind. Your family’s success is their mission.