Requirements

The Web site shall be hosted by “childcare.gov”. The Web site shall enable a child care consumer to enter a zip code and obtain a referral to local child care providers described in subparagraph (B) within a specified search radius.

The Web site shall provide to consumers, directly or through linkages to State databases, at a minimum—

(i) a localized list of all eligible child care providers, differentiating between licensed and license-exempt providers;

(ii) any provider-specific information from a Quality Rating and Improvement System or information about other quality indicators, to the extent the information is publicly available and to the extent practicable;

(iii) any other provider-specific information about compliance with licensing, and health and safety requirements to the extent the information is publicly available and to the extent practicable;

(iv) referrals to local resource and referral organizations from which consumers can find more information about child care providers; and

(v) State information about child care subsidy programs and other financial supports available to families.

The Web site and hotline shall have the capacity to help families in every State and community in the Nation.

The Web site shall provide, to parents and families, access to information about child care services 24 hours a day.

The Web site and hotline shall ensure that families have access to easy-to-understand child care consumer education and referral services.