Chapter 2 Types of Early Childhood Programs 51
child care homes. Other states may
require certification by a community fi
agency. These programs are often
popular for infants and toddlers, but
children might range from infants to
school-age. Moreover, children may
attend up to 12 hours per day.
Child Care Centers
Facilities that offer full-day
children’s programs are often called
child care centers. This has become
the most popular type of care and
education. The focus of most of
Child Care Centers 25.1%
Family Child Care 23.5%
Parents 22%
Relatives 21.4%
In-Home
Caregivers
4.9%
Other 2.9%
This Th is c c hart ha rt i i llustrates ll us tr at es w w hat ha t percentage pe rc en ta ge o o f f parents pa re nt s chose ch os e each ea ch t t ype yp e of of c c hild hi ld c c are ar e. T T
Bureau of Census, Current Populations Report, 2001 B
2-2
The Th e National Na ti on al A A ssociation ss oc ia ti on f f or or F F amily am il y
Child Care (NAFCC) is a professional )
organization for family child care providers.
It promotes high-quality early child care
and education. NAFCC is committed to
improving the awareness and quality of
child care. It provides the only national
accreditation ac cr ed it at io n system sy st em f f or or f f amily am il y child ch il d
care. Training and health assessments
are required for accreditation. Other
requirements include criminal background
checks and an observation to verify that
standards are met.
Learn
More About
NAFCC
these centers is to provide care and
education. The care is designed to
meet the child’s basic nutrition, health,
and safety needs. The curriculum
emphasizes the whole child including
his or her social, emotional, cognitive,
and physical needs.
Most child care centers open
early in the morning and remain
open until six or seven o’clock in the
evening. Some centers provide care
for children 24 hours per day. For
parents whose children need care
during the evening or early morning
hours, this service is most convenient.