An online tool launched earlier this summer by the Department of Children and Families is already seeing some heavy traffic.

Since it went online July 1st, nearly 200,000 visits have been made to a database of licensed child care providers maintained by the Department. Secretary Reggie Bicha says they're taking advantage of the first time in the state that people can go online to find information on providers in their neighborhood.

Bicha says the website provides a variety of information on those providers, such as licensing issues and any violations that have been filed in the past.

The database does not provide details of any violations. Bicha encourages parents to visit those locations on their own, which are required to have information available on any violations and what was done to correct them. Bicha says it's intended to be a starting point for parents as they evaluate a child care facility. 

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:02)

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