Family Service
Association’s Children's Resource and Referral
Department is your link to information and programs that
can assist you with your child care needs. The Resource
and Referral consultants can provide you with direct
connections to local child care resources and community
agencies, as well as, national agencies and information.
SMART START Connections is a network member of the
national and Texas Association of Child Care Resource
and Referral Association (NACCRRA and TACCRRA) and the
national Child Care Aware system. The services are
accredited for meeting national standards of quality
customer services.
There are no fees for our basic services and anyone
interested in assistance with child care information is
encouraged to call 210-65-SMART (657-6278) or
1-800-332-3264 for outside of San Antonio for
individualized information on child care and other
resources. The referrals provided are intended as
referrals only, not as recommendations. Family
Service Association Child Care Resource and Referral
consultants do not license, endorse, or recommend any
particular provider. As you evaluate the referrals and
make your choice among care providers, we encourage you
to make on-site visits and check references. The
providers listed here have represented that they meet
all legal requirements including, if applicable, state
and local licensing requirements.
Choosing the right child care program for your child is
one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
Your choice will have a strong impact on your child’s
future.
The most important thing children learn in their first
five years of life is “how to learn.” They begin
developing the social skills and inner resources needed
to help them grow into happy, confident, productive
adults.
A good child care program will provide your child with
the tools needed to develop the social skills to be
successful in both school and in life. Quality child
care is critical to giving your child the start in life.
We can help you access information and services in the
following ways:
Qualified child care consultants will provide you with information
about care for:
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Infants
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Toddlers
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Preschoolers
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School age children
Family Service Association's Children's Resource and Referral
will provide you with information on the following types
of child care:
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Registered Family Homes
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Licensed Child Care Centers
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Child care for sick children
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Special Needs Child Care for children with special
needs
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Before and After School Programs
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Summer and Holiday Programs
Our Children's Resource and Referral consultants will also
provide you with informational guides on issues that concern
you as a parent. Information includes:
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Locating quality early care and education services
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Child development
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Inclusion of children with disabilities
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Balancing work and family
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Positive parenting
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Positive discipline
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Resources for meeting other family needs
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Tips for selecting a babysitter and babysitting safety
tips
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Kindergarten Readiness Guidelines
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TexCare partnership (medical insurance program)
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Child care provider regulations in the State of Texas
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TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) information
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Reduced fee and subsidy resources for child care
Each year Children’s resource and Referral assists more
than 1200 individuals find quality childcare and community
resources.
Funding Source is the City of San Antonio, United Way,
Texas Workforce Commission, and Alamo Work Source
Development Board.
If, in your search, you encounter any conditions or
practices in a child care setting that cause you
concern, please notify the Texas Department of Family
and Protective Services at (210 ) 337-3399 or
www.dfps.state.tx.us. In addition, Family Service
recognizes the right of those we serve to file
complaints or grievances when they believe our services
have been unsatisfactory. If you have a complaint or
grievance about our services to families or to providers
please call Sue Glassman at (210) 431-7510.