Comparing Child Care Options - Part One
© Julie Renaud
This month, and next, I'll be offering brief descriptions of the most common child care arrangements: family child care, center care, in-home/nanny or au pair, and relative care. These are not meant to be all-inclusive descriptions, but general lists of the characteristics of each type of care. Every child care program is as unique as the program owner. My hope is that this side-by-side comparison will make it easier for you to decide which type of care is best for you and your child.
FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME
Size of Program: 1 to 12 Children.
Facility: Care in provider's home.
Meals: Lunch and snacks, some may offer breakfast or dinner depending on the hours they are open.
Grouping: Children of all ages grouped together. Caregiver may choose to limit age range.
Caregivers: Usually only one caregiver is present. Some may hire extra help or have family members help out.
Activities: Field trips and special instruction limited. One or more family child care homes may plan activities together.
Transportation: Provider's personal vehicle. Some purposely do not plan activities that require transportation.
Management: Provider is the owner and operator of the child care program. She makes all policy and program decisions. Usually able to be more flexible in meeting individual child and family needs.
CHILD CARE CENTER
Size of Program: 15 to Hundreds of Children.
Facility: Non-residential facility, built or converted for the purpose of caring for children.
Meals: Lunch & snacks, some may provide breakfast or allow you to bring your child's breakfast.
Grouping: Children grouped by age.
Caregivers: Number of caregivers per number of children varies from state to state. Your child may have two or three caregivers throughout the day, but one should be designated as the primary caregiver.
Activities: Field trips, special activities such as gymnastics, computer or language classes offered.
Transportation: Center owned van or bus driven by staff.
Management: 1) Run by an individual who serves as both owner and director or 2) Owned by a corporation that operates several centers (local and national chains). Director is an employee of the corporation. The director oversees the daily operations of the center. The degree of control she has in determining center policy and programs will depend on the size of the corporation. She may answer to herself (she's the owner) or she may have to report to several layers of management.
This month I'll compare Family Child Care Homes and Child Care Centers. As always if you have any questions or comments please feel free to email me. ~ julie
FAMILY CHILD CARE HOME
Size of Program: 1 to 12 Children.
Facility: Care in provider's home.
Meals: Lunch and snacks, some may offer breakfast or dinner depending on the hours they are open.
Grouping: Children of all ages grouped together. Caregiver may choose to limit age range.
Caregivers: Usually only one caregiver is present. Some may hire extra help or have family members help out.
Activities: Field trips and special instruction limited. One or more family child care homes may plan activities together.
Transportation: Provider's personal vehicle. Some purposely do not plan activities that require transportation.
Management: Provider is the owner and operator of the child care program. She makes all policy and program decisions. Usually able to be more flexible in meeting individual child and family needs.
CHILD CARE CENTER
Size of Program: 15 to Hundreds of Children.
Facility: Non-residential facility, built or converted for the purpose of caring for children.
Meals: Lunch & snacks, some may provide breakfast or allow you to bring your child's breakfast.
Grouping: Children grouped by age.
Caregivers: Number of caregivers per number of children varies from state to state. Your child may have two or three caregivers throughout the day, but one should be designated as the primary caregiver.
Activities: Field trips, special activities such as gymnastics, computer or language classes offered.
Transportation: Center owned van or bus driven by staff.
Management: 1) Run by an individual who serves as both owner and director or 2) Owned by a corporation that operates several centers (local and national chains). Director is an employee of the corporation. The director oversees the daily operations of the center. The degree of control she has in determining center policy and programs will depend on the size of the corporation. She may answer to herself (she's the owner) or she may have to report to several layers of management.
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