Get matched with a preschool — free

How free matching works

Cubby Road is a free guide service. We are not a preschool or daycare, and we do not run programs. We help parents and guardians find options and get matched with programs near them.

You share a few basic details about what you need. For example, you can tell us if you want preschool, daycare, part-time care, full-time care, or a program like bilingual preschool or Montessori preschool.

Then we use that information to suggest programs that may be a fit. What is available depends on your area, your schedule, your budget, and current openings. If you want to learn more about the process, see how it works.

• Free to use
• For parents and guardians
• Matches depend on location and availability

What we ask for, and what we do not ask for

We keep the first step simple. We ask for a parent or guardian’s contact information, the age group you are looking for, the program type you want, and your ZIP code.

We do not ask for your child’s name, birth date, medical details, or other child information. The goal is to help you start your search without sharing more than you need.

You can read more about how information is handled on our privacy page.

• Parent or guardian contact only
• Program preferences and ZIP code
• No child name or medical information

Choose the program type that fits your family

Every family needs something different. Some parents want a full-day daycare close to work. Others want a short preschool program that helps a child get ready for pre-K or kindergarten.

You can ask to be matched with different kinds of programs, including daycare and child care, play-based preschool, faith-based preschool, or Head Start and public pre-K. If you are not sure what the difference is, preschool vs. daycare can help.

Age group matters too. A program for infants is different from a program for 4-year-olds. You can explore options by age, like infant daycare, toddler daycare, preschool for ages 3 to 4, and pre-K for ages 4 to 5.

What happens after you get matched

After you get matched, the next step is to contact the programs and ask questions. You may hear back quickly, or it may take time. Some programs have waitlists, which means you can apply but may need to wait for an opening.

Admission is never guaranteed. A match means the program may fit what you asked for, not that a spot is saved for you. Rules, hours, prices, and openings can change.

Before you decide, visit in person if you can. Use our preschool tour checklist and questions to ask on a tour to compare programs. You can also read preschool waitlists explained.

Please verify the license yourself

A state license is official permission from the state for a program to operate, if that program type is required to be licensed. Licensing rules are different in each state. Some programs may be license-exempt, which means different rules may apply.

Cubby Road does not inspect programs or promise safety or quality. That is why it is important to verify the license yourself and visit in person before you choose.

Our guide on how to check a preschool license shows you what to look for. You may also want to read about teacher-child ratios, which means how many children each teacher is responsible for.

Worried about cost? Start here

Many families are surprised by how much prices can vary. Cost depends on your city, the child’s age group, hours, and program type. Infant care often costs more than care for older children. Part-time programs may cost less than full-time, but it depends.

If budget is a big concern, you are not alone. One family told us they thought preschool was out of reach, but after learning about public pre-K and local help, they found a lower-cost option that worked for their schedule.

You can compare common price ranges on our costs page and learn about support programs in help paying for preschool.

A simple first step for immigrant and multilingual families

Looking for care in a new system can feel confusing, especially if English is not your first language. Many parents are trying to compare school terms, paperwork, hours, and price all at once.

Cubby Road was made to make that first step easier. We use plain language and help families start with clear options. If you want extra help, visit help, read our immigrant family preschool guide, or contact us.

When you are ready, get matched for free.