Chapter 2 Determining the Need for Child Care
39
What Are the Different Types of Care?
Child care and early education programs in the United States exist in many dif-
ferent formats. There are programs that operate for profit, and those that are orga-
nized as not-for-profit programs. Some programs depend financially on the tuition
charged. Others receive public funds designed to assist low-income parents who
would have trouble finding affordable child care. Programs may be privately owned,
sponsored by religious organizations, community organizations, or the government.
They can be organized by a group of parents or provided by an employer. In some
parts of the country, parents have many choices when searching for a preschool set-
ting for their child. In other locations, there may be very few options for parents, and
child care may be extremely difficult to find.
Programs for young children can differ in a variety of ways. The number of hours
the center is open each day, the goals of the program, the specific children who attend,
and whether or not the program is based in a center or a home may vary. Within a
community, there may be many different types of programs for young children. While
each type of program has some specific characteristics, the basic components of
quality programming and good care for children are basically the same. For the pur-
pose of this discussion, the types of care will be classified as home-based or center-
based. Special-purpose programs will also be described.
Home-Based Care
Many parents prefer care that is provided in a home setting, particularly for
infants and toddlers. This is called home-based care. Homes are more likely to have a
feeling of warmth and intimacy. Upholstered furniture, drapes, and good smells from
the kitchen all create an atmosphere of nurturance. Home-based care is less likely to
have an “institutional” feel to it. Types of home-based care include
• in-home care
• nannies
• family child care
• group homes
In-Home Care
Most parents of very young children would prefer having caregivers come into
their homes to care for their children. This way, the child has one consistent caregiver,
does not have to be transported outside on cold or rainy days, and is always in a
familiar environment. If a family has several young children, in-home care can pre-
vent the early-morning pressures of trying to get everyone up and ready to leave the
house. The caregiver can take care of breakfast and early-morning routines in a more
relaxed manner. Many in-home caregivers stay with a family until the children are all
in school. They may become a lifelong friend of the family. Parents often hope to find
someone who will also prepare meals and do light house cleaning.