Unit One The Children and You
36
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grants. Some of these funds may come through
school districts. Other funds may come through
social service agencies.
Head Start is an example of a publicly
sponsored program. Most parents pay no fee for
their child to attend Head Start. A fee is required
if their income exceeds the federal guidelines for
the program, however. Most of the expenses for
the program are covered through grants received
from the federal government. Funding is usually
provided on an annual basis.
State funds may help support programs
designed for educational purposes. These programs
may be housed in a university, college, secondary
school, or vocational school. Examples include child
care centers, preschool centers, laboratory schools,
and high school child care programs.
Publicly funded child care centers, preschools,
and laboratory programs may receive several
forms of fi nancial support in addition to parental
fees. For instance, a publicly funded child
care center may also receive funds from the
United Way, community donations, and tuition.
Likewise, a laboratory school on a college campus
may receive tuition donations or scholarships
through alumni groups.
Private Sponsorship
The largest group of privately sponsored
programs is the privately owned center. These
centers rely on parent fees to cover most of the
operating expenses.
A privately sponsored program may be
housed in a religious organization, hospital,
or offi ce building. Many of these programs are
nonprofi t. They may be governed by a voluntary
board of community members and operated as a
service to the community.
Most private programs are operated by
independent owners. Many of these centers
are operated by families. Their motivation in
operating a center is to provide a service that
makes a profi t.
Child Care Corporations
Some child care centers are a part of chains
operated by large national corporations, although
some chains are privately held. Examples include
Knowledge Learning, La Petite Academy, and
Bright Horizons Family Solutions. Midsize
chains typically operate on a regional basis.
Often these centers are built and located in large
cities and suburban areas. To make a profi t in
these centers, the enrollment must be high. The
chains are managed by a central administration
that furnishes the fi nancial backing and sets
policy. Curriculum guides may be developed by
curriculum specialists hired by the organization
and provided to the center staff in each of the
locations.
Employer Sponsorship
Some employer-sponsored child care
providers have extended their services. They may
include special activities for school-age children
and care for older adults and mildly ill children.
The employer may pay part or all of the costs of
the services. The center can be located on-site or
nearby.
Employers sponsor child care to reduce the
confl ict between family and work responsibilities.
Studies show that there is less employee turnover
and absenteeism at companies that provide some
form of child care. At such companies, employees
have better work attitudes, new employees are
attracted, community relations improve, and the
company receives good publicity. Moreover, there
are tax incentives for companies who sponsor
child care.
Companies can provide child care assistance
in several ways (Figure 2.7). A company-owned,
on-site child care center is one option. Such a
center may be located at or near the work site.
With this type of program, the company may hire
a director to run the program. Other companies
contract with child care chains or fi rms
specializing in child care to operate the center.
There are advantages and disadvantages to an
on-site child care facility. One advantage is that
parents can spend breaks and lunch hours with
their children. In large cities, however, this model
may not work. Employees who commute long
distances to work may fi nd it diffi cult to travel
with children on public transportation or in car
pools.
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