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Part 1 Organizing a Quality Child Care Program
There are a number of other services that can be offered to meet the needs of busy,
working families. Some programs have cooperative arrangements with local dance or
karate schools. Centers may link up with the local scouting and 4-H programs to pro-
vide these activities for the school-age children. Music lessons, gymnastics, tutoring,
and meal catering can also be offered. Working families often have a difficult time
scheduling all of the things they want for their children. Children’s hours outside of
child care are limited. A center that can help parents to provide lessons and special
activities might be greatly appreciated, 2-4.
Financial Capabilities
Financial considerations include obtaining an estimate regarding whether or not
interested families will be able to afford to enroll their children in your program. If
your program will depend solely on tuition, you must be sure there are enough inter-
ested families who will be able to pay the fees. If your program will serve families who
receive government support for part of the tuition, interested families must fall into
income groups that are eligible for the subsidy voucher.
It is important to find out about the needs and resources of the families who are
interested in using your service. If you plan an inappropriate program, or if the fami-
lies cannot afford your program, you will have trouble recruiting enough children to
maintain full enrollment. A successful program must be developed around the needs
of the families you want to serve.
2-3 Transportation may be an essential need of parents.