Casting calls for children are essentially large open auditions for young actors. These casting calls for child actors are held to allow agents and casting directors to meet new young talent and find new child actors to cast in their projects. Open casting calls are a great way for new talent to make an impression on talent agents who are usually inaccessible to child actors.
There are multiple types of casting calls for children. The two main varieties of casting calls for child actors are open casting calls and closed casting calls. Open casting calls are open to all young aspiring actors, while closed casting calls are generally only accessible to those young actors who have already gained representation from a talent agency. In general, your chances of securing a job or a callback at a closed casting call will be higher due to the smaller pool of contestants.
You should never pay to attend a casting call for children. There are some "talent agencies" who will claim that for a fee they will be able to secure an acting job for your child. You should never take these agents seriously. No legitimate talent agent or casting director will ask for any upfront money. Talent agencies that require you to pay them before your child lands a job are scams and should be avoided.
Many people have no idea where to find casting calls for children. You can keep an eye on your local newspaper for any announcements of open casting calls and you should also be aware of any radio commercials for casting calls for kids in your area. The Internet is a great resource for finding casting calls as well, so keep an eye on postings on Craigslist as well as websites devoted to acting auditions such as Commercial Kids. (See References)
When you attend a casting call for children you should make sure that you come into the situation as prepared as possible. Make sure that your young actor looks his best and that you have a portfolio or a professionally prepared headshot to present to the casting directors.