Unit One The Children and You 36 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 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. Figure 2.7 Types of Employer-Sponsored Child Care Assistance • Company owned, on-site center • Off-site center sponsored by one or more companies • Company sponsored, vendor provided centers • Vouchers provided by company to subsidize care • Sick child care • Referral services