New state website helps parents find licensed child care

In year's past, finding a day care has required some serious research from parents. Now it only will require a click.

Care About Childcare, a new statewide resource that helps parents find quality child-care services in Utah, will unveil its new website, CareAboutChildcare.utah.gov, to the community at a free outdoor event at The Gateway, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The website, the first of its kind in Utah, provides parents with options they can select in a childcare service and matches them with corresponding state-licensed centers and family/home providers.

"By matching a family's specific needs to a child-care provider's specific strengths, the website gives parents resources that allow them to make good choices for their families and helps child care providers showcase the quality in their programs," said Lynette Rasmussen, director of the Utah Office of Child Care.

Saturday's free event will welcome 25 community partners that will offer various activities to families including a bike parade, face painting, balloon artists and more.

Rasmussen hopes families will come out for the event and take advantage of the website.

"Everyone benefits from quality child care ­— parents, providers, and most important, children," Rasmussen said. "We're excited to present a first ever in Utah online program that empowers parents with knowledge to choose what's important to them in their child's day care setting." —

New child-care website

The Utah Office of Child Care will unveil its new website CareAboutChildCare.utah.gov, at an event during which 25 providers will offer various activities for families.

When • June 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a special ceremony planned for noon

Where • The Gateway, 18 N. Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City

Information • Visit CareAboutChildcare.utah.gov or call 855-531-2468. Follow Care About Childcare on Facebook at Facebook.com/CareAboutChildcare.