Chapter 2 Types of Early Childhood Programs Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 35 Some high school students may observe the children while others work directly with the children. The following week, the students shift responsibilities. Those who observed the preceding week work with the preschoolers while the other students observe them. Sponsorship of Early Childhood Centers Child care programs vary how they are operated and funded. They can be either for-profi t programs or nonprofi t. Most observers are unlikely to be aware of the differences between for-profi t and nonprofi t operated centers. They all look alike from the outside. For-profi t centers rely are parent fees to operate. They are privately owned businesses in local communities. For-profi t centers can also be part of regional or national chains, which grew Figure 2.6 Laboratory schools generally have highly qualified staff, well-planned curriculum, and excellent equipment. rapidly during the last two decades of the twentieth century. After paying expenses, remaining revenue is returned to the owners or stockholders. Nonprofi t centers are often sponsored by an agency. Religious groups, universities, colleges, YMCAs, YWCAs, hospitals, and recreation departments sponsor the largest number. To qualify for nonprofi t status, the center must be operated for charitable purposes. Nonprofi t boards are eligible for grants and government funding. Due to the additional funding, these programs are able to provide care that some families could not afford. If the center is profi table, dividends cannot go to private individuals. All profi ts have to be returned to the organization. Public Sponsorship Publicly sponsored programs are nonprofi t since they are eligible for federal, state and federal 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. SAFETY FIRST SAFETY FIRST References and Background Checks In order to keep children safe from abuse, all early childhood providers must submit to reference and background checks before starting employment at a child care facility. This may include fingerprinting and checking state social service records for previous child abuse convictions. People who are known sex offenders or who acknowledge sexual attraction to children will not be allowed to work in child care.