PENOBSCOT/PISCATAQUIS COUNTIES -- Summer vacation may be a kid's delight, but it can bring child care challenges to parents. Parents needing child care in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties can turn to the Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center (RDC) for help in locating child care. This free service available to all families regardless of income can be accessed by phone or through the Internet.

The online search tool is available on the Penquis website at www.penquis.org/rdc. For a basic search, enter the city, zip code, type of care sought and age of the child. A list of child care providers that match the criteria will be displayed. An advanced search is also available to locate a provider that meets more specific needs of families and/or children.

Parents may also call the Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center at 1-888-917-1100 or visit at 262 Harlow Street in Bangor. Staff is available to help families find child care using information supplied by parents. The Penquis Child Care RDC provides information on the various types of child care and how to select child care; types of subsidies and/or tax credits or Dependent Care Assistance Programs available to families; and other consumer education based on the age of the child and any special circumstances.

The Penquis Child Care Resource Development Center, funded by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, promotes quality and accessible child care services in Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties. It also provides training and technical assistance to child care providers; and education and support to employers, schools, and communities. The Resource Development Center is a member of MRDC, Inc., Maine's Network of Child Care Resource Development Centers and NACCRRA, National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies.