Resources For Families Of Minor Children On IHSS

How To Find A Care Provider

• Word of Mouth - Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a care provider. You can hire a relative, friend or neighbor.
• Local Papers - Place an ad in the local newspaper.; Note that there is usually a charge for this service.

• Local Colleges - Call and ask the campus program that helps students find work to list your job opening.

  • Cabrillo College Career Center (831) 479-6225
  • UCSC Career Center (831) 459-4420
• Employment Development Department (EDD) - Place an ad at the local EDD office. For more information call (831) 464-5627 or (831) 464-5627.
• Child Care Switchboard - The Child Care Switchboard operates a registry of care providers who have been through criminal justice fingerprint clearance. Be sure to tell the switchboard that you have a special needs child when calling for information. For more information call (831) 476-8585 or (831) 763-8725.

For Temporary and Respite Services (Not IHSS)

BALANCE4kids

This organization provides respite intermittent and regularly scheduled non-medical temporary care for family members and care providers of minors. Respite services available for children with severe disabilities. Care providers must be 18 years or older, have TB clearance, current First Aid and CPR Certification, and criminal justice fingerprint clearance. For more information call (831) 464-8669.

Easter Seals of Central California

The mission of Easter Seals Central California is to create solutions that change lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Easter Seals provides respite intermittent and regularly scheduled non-medical temporary care for family members and care providers of clients identified by the San Andreas Regional Center. Care providers must have high school diploma or GED, have TB clearance, First Aid Community CPR certification, and criminal justice fingerprint clearance. For more information please call (831) 684-2166.

Parents Support Organizations

Special Parents Information Network (SPIN)

SPIN is a non-profit parent-to-parent support and information network serving parents, guardians and families who have a child or children with special needs. They offer information and referral, a mentor program, support groups, educational workshops, etc. For more information call (831) 423-7713.

Tips for Hiring Care Providers On Your Own

• Screen applicants through a telephone interview.
• Meet face-to-face with those who seem to be able to meet your needs.
• Check references.
• When you select someone, inform those that weren't selected of your decision.