What are the different types of childcare? There are 3 main types of childcare: in-home care, family childcare, and
center-based care. Choose the caregiver that best meets your needs and your
child's needs. The following information will help you choose the type of care
that is best for your family. To find more information on childcare, call Child
Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246 or the National Resource Center for Health and
Safety in Child Care at 1-800-598-KIDS (5437).
In-home Care
An in-home caregiver is someone who lives in your home or comes to your
home to care for your child.
Often, these caregivers are friends or family members.
In-home care may be less expensive than other kinds of care if you have
three or more children.
The caregiver could go out of business at any time or need time off.
Consider what your options will be if this happens.
In-home care may be a good choice for a child who has special needs
or for a child who needs care throughout the night.
Family Childcare
Family childcare is provided in the home of the caregiver. Often the
caregiver has children of her own.
There are usually fewer children at these settings than in a childcare
center. Your child may get more individual attention or enjoy the home
setting.
It is possible the caregiver could go out of business at any time. Consider
what your options will be if this happens.
Some family childcare homes are not licensed or checked by local or
state agencies. It is your responsibility to make sure the caregiver's
home is a safe and healthy place for your child.
Center-based Care
At a childcare center, a group of children are cared for away from their
homes for all or part of the day.
Many childcare centers have organized activities to help your child
learn.
Some children may not like the childcare center's group setting. Some
children prefer smaller groups or a home setting.
If you want to keep your child in the same childcare setting for a long
time, childcare centers are often the most reliable choice.
Childcare centers can be good for children with special needs.
What are the steps to choosing childcare?
Contact a childcare resource center for local childcare listings.
Call the caregivers you might be interested in.
Set up a time to visit. Visit each caregiver you're interested in.
Stay as long as you can on the first visit.
Get to know the childcare staff.
Talk to other parents about the caregiver.
Call a childcare resource center to check on the caregiver's history.
If you like the caregiver, visit again before you decide.
What should I ask during the first phone call?
Is there an opening for my child?
What are your hours?
Where are you located?
How much is care? Is there financial assistance available?
How many children are enrolled? How many staff? The ideal ratio for infants
and toddlers (up to age 2) is 3 children to every adult. The ideal ratio for
2 to 3 year olds is 4 children to every adult. The ideal ratio for 3 to 6
year olds is 8 children to every adult.
What age groups are there? Children often learn more from one another in
small age groups.
Do you provide transportation?
Do you give the children meals or snacks?
Do you have a childcare license?
When can I visit?
What should I look for during the first visit?
Does the place look safe?
Do the caregivers talk and play with the children?
Do the caregivers seem cheerful and have a good tone of voice?
Are there a variety of toys (books, games, climbing equipment)?
Are toys placed where your child can reach them?
What activities are provided?
Are the toys and activities good for your child's age and interests?
What is the noise level like? Too quiet could mean that there's not enough
activity. Too loud could mean that the activities aren't under control.
How many children and caregivers are there? Will your child get enough attention?
Babies and young children usually need lots of attention.
Is the place clean (especially eating and toilet areas)?
Is there a safe place to play outside?
What should I ask the childcare staff?
Can I visit any time?
What is your discipline policy? Rules?
Will my child be given choices (to be with friends, for snacks, activities,
etc.)?
How do you keep in touch with parents? How often?
What do you do when a child is sick?
Do you have emergency plans?
What training and experience have you had?
Are the children and staff required to have immunizations?
Does the childcare staff change often? A high turnover rate might mean that
there are problems with the care. Children adjust to childcare better when
staff is consistent.
Can I see a copy of your childcare license?
Do you have substitute caregivers?
Can I have a list of parents who have used this childcare before?
What should I ask other parents?
Was the caregiver reliable?
How did the caregiver discipline your child?
Did the caregiver communicate with you? How?
Did your child like the caregiver and activities?
Would you recommend this caregiver?
Is your child still in the program? If not, why?
What should I ask the local childcare resource/licensing center?
Does this caregiver meet all of your regulations?
Does this caregiver have a record of complaints?
Would you recommend this caregiver?
Quick Answers
There are three main types of childcare; in-home care, family childcare,
and center-based care. Choose the caregiver that meets your needs.
Call the caregivers you might be interested in. Set up a time to visit.
Stay as long as you can on the first visit. Get to know the childcare staff.
Talk to other parents about the caregiver. Call a childcare resource center
to check on the caregiver's history.
If you like the caregiver, visit again before you decide.
References
Administration for Children and Families, us Dept. of Health and Human Services,
"Four Steps to Selecting a Childcare Provider," June 2000. URL: http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/ccb/faq/4steps/htm
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