Choosing the
Correct
Childcare
Program and
Different
Programs
Jessica Cox Early
Childhood Education 1A
Learning Objectives
Know the categories of childcare (i.e.,
custodial, developmental, and comprehensive
childcare).
Understand the pros, cons, and flexibility
associated with various types of childcare
(e.g., hourly, Montessori, Head Start,
preschool, on-site, home care, day care
centers and laboratory schools).
Understand qualifications for directors,
caregivers, and assistant caregivers.
Know licensing rules (i.e., confidentiality
issues, proof of immunizations).
Signs of a Quality Child Care Program
1. Help
children
develop a
good selfimage.
2. Help children
understand the five
senses.
3. Help children develop
their personalities.
4. Help children grow
intellectually
5. Help children express
themselves.
6. Help children learn independence.
7. Help children recognize
socialization skills.
8. Provide
children with
experiences
that may not
have at home
9. Provide hands-on
experiences for the
children whenever
possible.
10. Build a healthy relationship
between the child care program
and the home.
Is Child Care for you?
Types of Child Care
Custodial: care for basic needs.
Developmental: intellectual
development.
Comprehensive: combines both
custodial and developmental
care.
Non-Profit Child Care
Provides free child care for members
of the organization providing the child
care.
PROS
No cost
Values common to
the sponsoring
organization are
taught.
CONS
Must be a member
of the sponsoring
organization.
Parent Cooperative Child Care
Formed and ran by parents who wish
to take part in their childs preschool.
Non-profit.
PROS
Parents make
decisions
Collect fees
Order and repair
equipment
CONS
Lack of control on
teachers
Lack of continuity
and consistency or
rules
Extended Care (Latch Key Programs)
Care for school age children. Before
and after school programs. Do
homework, games, and activities.
PROS
Children are
supervised
Safe and secure
Get help with
homework
CONS
Sponsors to fund
the program
Family Care
Children within a family residence that
provides care for 4 or more children but no
more than 6 except for school age children.
PROS
Fewer children
Home like
atmosphere
CONS
Enforcing licensing
Less money
Cant control credentials
of the caregiver
Typically not structured
Day Care Centers
13 or more children ages 4 weeks to 13
years. License required, informal play.
PROS
Cares for basic
needs of child
They have concern
for the child only
CONS
Crowded
Commercialized
Ratios are high
Head Start Programs
Federally funded, strengthens academic
skills, promotes social and emotional skills
for disadvantaged.
PROS
Help children with limited
opportunity
Parents must be involved
Meals, transportation, etc.
Professional staff
CONS
Must qualify for
financial status
Children may have
emotional problems
Montessori School
Enhances a childs intelligence through a
good environment. Teaches children
through use of their senses.
PROS
Hands on learning
environment
Skill based
Teaches self motivation
Teaches basic life skills
CONS
Very expensive
Low teacher
interaction
Industry Sponsored Childcare
When an industry provides a on-site child
care center for its employees.
PROS
Eliminates
transportation
problems
Lessens absenteeism
Sick childcare provided
CONS
Major cost to the
employer if the
child care is
subsidized
Hourly Care (Drop In)
Childcare based on hourly rates.
Unlicensed usually because children come
less than 4 hours.
PROS
Convenience
CONS
Quality Control
Laboratory Childcare
Centers located at high schools, colleges or
vocational schools. It has a sliding fee
scale. Typically used to train teachers not
the child.
PROS
Uses model
curriculum
Parental involvement
Ratios are low
CONS
Children are used
to test new
programs
Nursery and/or Preschool
Programs that operate for four or fewer
hours per day. Can also be used for
kindergarten preparation.
PROS
Small classes
Professional staff
Parental involvement is
encouraged
Developmentally planned
program
CONS
Limited availability
High cost
