Head Start and Early Head Start are programs to serve young children (5 years and younger), pregnant women, and their families. The goal is to help children from low-income families start school ready to learn. The Head Start Web site has links to local programs and services.

The NNCC offers an Internet database of more than 1,000 useful publications and resources; a newsletter; an e-mail Listserv called KIDCARE; and regional support and assistance for issues about family child care, center-based child care, and school-age child care.

This Web site provides detailed information about child care licensing requirements in the United States. Specific requirements are listed by state. Call 1-800-598-KIDS (1-800-598-5437) for more information.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a variety of educational materials, such as links to publications about parenting and general growth and development. Immunization information, safety and prevention tips, AAP guidelines for various conditions, and links to other organizations are also available.

The American Camping Association provides information to help promote and improve camp experiences. The ACA provides information about ACA-accredited day and resident camps from coast to coast. The Web site includes information to help parents and kids choose a camp that fits their needs. It also contains information about how parents can handle common camp problems, such as homesickness.

This nonprofit organization helps parents locate quality child care and child care resources in their community by increasing the visibility of local child care resource and referral agencies nationwide.

The International Nanny Association is a nonprofit educational association for nannies and those who educate, place, employ, and support professional in-home child care providers. The organization publishes annual directories of nanny training and employment programs. It is not a placement agency.

This organization accredits family child care programs and provides resource materials. The NAFCC also organizes conferences for people with family child care programs.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children accredits Early Childhood Programs, including day care centers. This association also sends out brochures on child development and information that parents can use when looking for good child care.