Bowers Family Child Care is a small, home-based, day-care provider that offers full-time, part-time, before-school, after-school, and summer daycare.

Cordon Childcare accepts children from newborn up to ten years old and offers a pick-up service for kids in school.

This parent-owned online directory of childcare options includes in-home providers, nannies, childcare centers, and babysitters, serving infants through school-age children. The website also offers links to helpful articles on parenting, state oversight agencies, and more.

The database is searchable by zip code, children's ages, and type of care required. Results include contact information; a description of the services offered; the staff, philosophy, licensing, and facilities of the provider; and hours of operation. Helpful icons beside search matches indicate which providers offer drop-in services and off-hours care; some listings include photos.

A very minimal amount of information can be gathered from a free search of the site - name of daycare, how many children of various ages are cared for by the provider, address, and phone number. To get additional information - hours of operation, website address, photos, etc. - parents must subscribe.

A note of caution: Listed providers are not screened, so while the site is a great starting point in a search for childcare, it's imperative that parents check out claims regarding licensing, staff, and facilities.

Furer Family Child Care in the Melrose and La Brea area of Los Angeles is a home daycare that aims to prepare children for kindergarten, in the comfort of a happy environment. The staff speaks English, Russian, and Hebrew.

Get A Life is a unique, non-profit childcare that supports parents and grandparents with chronic or terminal illness, or those who have lost a spouse.

The facility is commited to providing an environment with a high level of early education for all children.

Lima Family Child Care is a family-run day care facility that caters to both English and Spanish-speaking children.

Linnea's Garden is a small family daycare and enrichment center in East LA for infants through two-year-olds. The facility has a yard with an attached learning and play area as well as a nap room and additional play area in Linnea's home.

Children get individual attention from Linnea and an assistant, both of whom are in Masters programs for Early Childhood Education. Activities include art, music, and nature walks.

Sara Kessels, the owner and director of Pitzponim Day Care, has about as much fun as the 8 to 12 kids she has frolicking, crafting, and snacking around her home facility.

A native of Israel, Sara runs her licensed gan ("garden" in Hebrew) as a part camp, part preschool. With over 21 years of teaching experience, Sara makes sure the children get lots of exercise in addition to more educational activities. In the morning, the kids have time to chatter with each other and play in the main room, which is filled to the bursting point with age-appropriate toys and games. Daily Circle Time gives each child a turn in the spotlight.

The children have the run of a sprawling backyard with well-placed climbing apparati, swingset, and riding toys. The yard also has numerous handcrafted features, including a playhouse, arts table, and large sandbox. Trees, and a canvas covering to protect against the often-strong Valley sun, shade the playground.

Every safety precaution is taken. Supervision is paramount, with one teacher for every three children. Indoors, toys are in good condition and the carpet is immaculate, even changed when it becomes too worn for Sara's standards.

English is the primary language spoken, but Hebrew is sprinkled in for those children whose parents prefer a bilingual approach. The children hail from a variety of cultures, all of which are recognized and celebrated. Jewish festivals are observed, in addition to all major American holidays.

Other highlights include freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and snacks. Live music is provided by Mr. Al on a weekly basis, and recorded music, ranging from kids' tunes to classical, is played throughout the day. Arts and crafts projects are sent home regularly.

Parents are welcome to see their kids at anytime. Tours for prospective parents are given by appointment.

Primary Colors Educare offers licensed and accredited childcare along with the UPK/LAUP "free" pre-k program for all four year old children.

Stead Family Child Care in Mar Vista accepts children from infant to five years old. The facility provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack.

Family daycare serving kids from birth-12 years old. The owner has 12 years of experience with children. The program provides meals and learning activities that include singing, computers, storytime, and painting.

Year-round preschool and daycare The Learning Cycle is family owned. Nancy DeJohnette specializes in helping children from disadvantaged families.

Whiz Kids boasts over 14 years of service in providing early childhood education and child care. It offers day and summer camp, sleep overs, and other programs.

Wilson Family Childcare offers in-home, family childcare.