Chapter 2 Types of Early Childhood Programs 63
First and foremost, parents
want their children to be safe and
comfortable. They want a program
that welcomes their child and
promotes all areas of the children’s
development. Cost and location are
important, too. Working parents
prefer the convenience of a program
near their home or job.
Parents must choose a program
they can afford as well. For example,
parents with lower incomes may
need to use a public program or a
private program with low fees.
Quality of the program is a
key factor. Parents are interested
in the program’s goals, activities,
and schedule. Variety and balance
among activities is desirable.
Quality programs offer ample
materials, equipment, and space.
These programs also offer smaller
group sizes and more adults
within each group. This allows
children to receive more attention
and personal care. See 2-10 for the
adult-child ratios recommended for
various age groups by the National
Association for the Education of
Young Children (NAEYC).
Many parents ask about the
training and experience of the staff.
Studies show staff members with early
childhood education and experience
are often more sensitive to children’s
needs. They provide more stimulating,
developmentally appropriate care and
education. Well-trained staff members
ensure that learning experiences are
meaningful and respectful for child
and families. Staff use a variety of
teaching strategies to be responsive to
the needs of individual children.
Asking about staff turnover
rates can help parents in choosing
a program. Parents should avoid
choosing programs with high
staff turnover. First, frequent staff
changes may be a sign of low staff
wages or poor working conditions.
These may indicate problems with
the quality of the program. High
staff turnover also interferes with
children’s sense of security. To feel
secure, young children need to
form close relationships with one
or two caregivers. They also need
a predictable environment. Staff
turnover disrupts the environment
and prevents children from forming
close relationships with caregivers.
Parents want a facility that is safe
for their children. For example, many
centers have a security system that
helps them monitor who enters and
leaves the building. The building
should also have smoke detectors,
fire extinguishers, and evacuation fi
plans. Parents desire a facility that is
clean and in good repair.
The Selection Process
Most parents follow the same
process in selecting a child care
program. As a teacher, you need to
understand this process and your
role in it. Parents need to know much
Recommended
Adult-Child Ratios
Age of Children Recommended Ratio
6 weeks to 1 year 1 adult to 3 children
1 to 2 years 1 adult to 5 children
2 to 3 years 1 adult to 6 children
3 to 5 years 1 adult to 8 children
5 to 6 years 1 adult to 10 children
2-10
These Th es e adult ad ul t- child ch il d ratios ra ti os a a re re r r ecommended ec om me nd ed b b y y T T
NAEYC for quality child care programs. N