Child Care Services

The type of child care service you choose will be based on a variety of factors, including how often your child will attend, the type of care you need for your schedule, your budget, and the type of environment or program.

Types of Services

There are a variety of different child care services available. These include:

• Daycare Center: Children may attend full or part-time in a facility with a number of teachers and staff. Children are divided into groups based on ages. Early childhood education is often part of these programs to provide enrichment for the children.

• Family-based or Home-based Daycare: Family or home-based daycares are programs usually run out of a home. Home-based child care must usually meet state guidelines and have approval from State Human Services Departments. There may be several ages of children grouped together with home-based care, but you may have more flexibility than standard centers.

• In-Home Care: In-home care refers to an individual who cares for your child within your home. This may be a full time nanny or au pair, or an occasional baby-sitter.

• Child Care Co-Ops: Child care co-ops consist of a group of families in a community willing to share care of their children. The parents usually devise schedules among themselves based on one another's needs and the number of children.

• Head Start: Head Start is a government funded program that allows low-income and learning disabled students to have access to quality early childhood education and good care.

• Employer Based Child Care: A growing number of companies are beginning to recognize the importance of parents having quality, easily accessible child care available. Companies may have on- site care child care centers or* programs for their employees.

• After School Care: Many communities, and even a growing number of schools, offer before and after school care for elementary-aged children. These programs many include such benefits as tutors, snacks, and educational activities.

• Training Programs: Vocational high schools and colleges may offer affordable child care services and preschool programs. Students in their early childhood education programs obtain hand-on experience caring for children, and parents receive the benefit of energetic, interested caretakers and low cost care.

Child Care Referral Services

The process of finding the right care for your child can be daunting. Many parents turn to the child care referral services to help them find the best program for their needs. Examples of these referral services include:

• Child Care Services Association
• Child Care Aware
• Child Care Inc.
• National Child care Association

These services can help you find the information you need and put your mind at ease in choosing a quality child care center.

Some, such as the Child Care Services Association, provide free referrals, information, and education. Private companies may charge you for the information and assistance they provide.

Child Care Assistance Services

The state government offers child care assistance programs to help income-eligible families pay for quality child care. You can visit the Administration for Children and Families locator page for the contact information of your state's child care assistance service.

For More Information

For more information on choosing the right child care services, please visit LoveToKnow's article on Finding a Child Care Provider.