BLOOMINGTON - Jan Wimberly suddenly needed childcare for her three grandchildren. She wanted to find someone dependable, affordable and with early morning hours, so she could keep her job to support the family.

The search was easier with the help of The Child Care Resource and Referral Network in Bloomington, which she describes as an "information warehouse."

The agency helped her quickly find a child-care provider.

After gathering information about her needs and wants, CCRRN staff gave her a list of about a dozen child-care options that specifically suited her preferred location, hours of work and other requirements.

"I was very happy," she said of the results.

Local child-care choices are plentiful, so it certainly helps to have them narrowed down. Providers on the list include pre-kindergarten programs, Head Start, before- and after-school programs, pre-schools, family child care and child care centers.

Only those licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) or recognized as "licensed exempt" make the CCRRN referral lists.

Some 475 child-care options in DeWitt, Ford, Livingston and McLean counties are registered with CCRRN. Of those, 340 are in McLean County, said executive director Pamela Womack.

CCRRN is overseen by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Wimberly's referral was one of about 1,200 made at the Bloomington office annually, Womack said.

Referral information includes a short list of day care options, tips to find "quality" child care and, often, information about funding assistance. As required, it could include a list of caregivers who know sign language, have experience with children with autism, or other special needs.

It took some time for Wimberly to sift through all the information provided on 12 to 15 potential caregivers, within days her grandchildren were safely in child care so she could end an emergency leave and return to work.

She preferred a child care option that offered a structured environment so the children would know what was going to happen when. "It makes the day go well," she said.

Timing was another big factor. Wimberly, employed by Auto Warehousing, a firm that stores and ships autos for Mitsubishi Motors North America in Normal, sometimes needs child care as early as 5 a.m.

She chose a "family child care" in-home option, instead of a child care center, partially because of the hours and days she works. Cost, location and other factors helped narrow the list.

"Our goal is to empower the family," Womack said. The family makes the decision. "They know their child and family (best)," she said.

Wimberly found the best match to be Tammy Webb of Bloomington, who cares for the her grandchildren Serena, 9; Thomas, 8; and Ashton, 5.

"The best part is there's someone to watch us while Grandma is away," said Serena, who likes the snacks, games, and "being with friends."

Webb joined the CCRRN listings to offer care for Wimberly's grandchildren. She is taking first aid, nutrition and other classes, working toward becoming licensed.

Affordability

Wimberly, the sole wage earner in the household of five, was relieved to learn that financial assistance was available. CCRRN provides information about such help provided through the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program, also administered by DHS.

Without financial assistance, on average, a parent pays $120 a week at a family child care home in Bloomington and about $151 at a child care center.

Infant care costs more, averaging about $223 weekly at a Bloomington child care center, according to CCRRN.

Even with financial help, families must pay a portion of the cost. Co-pay information is available at the CCRRN office, Womack said.

"Availability, affordability and quality" are the three cornerstones the child-care agency bases its referrals on, Womack said.

The referral list and other information made a big difference to Wimberly.

"They were amazing and helpful to find the information and get it to you," the grandmother said.