Chapter 3-3

Child Care Options

Child Development

Vocabulary

Nanny – live-in care provided by trained professional

Family child care – small number of children are cared for in an individual’s own home

Play groups – parents take turns providing care of their children and others in their own home

Vocabulary(continued) Child care centers – provides specific

learning activities through structured routines Parent co-ops – organized by preschool

teachers with parents assisting with staffing the center

Vocabulary(continued) Head Start – federally funded program to

assist disadvantaged children Preschool – educational half-day program for

children ages 3-5 Montessori – specialized preschool program

promoting independence

Vocabulary(continued) License – permission from the state to

perform a certain task; must meet minimum standards

NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children: accredits day care programs

Accreditation – centers meet NAEYC strict standards for education of children

What two factors influence the cost of child care?

The type of care – most expensive: nanny

The age of child – most expensive: infants

All child care can be divided into two groups:

Home-based care – receive care in child’s own or another family’s home

Center-based care – professionally trained adults in classroom-like settings

Examples of Home-based Care

Nanny Family child care Play groups

Examples of Center-based Care Child care centers Parent co-ops Head Start Preschool Montessori

Characteristics of Quality Child Care Qualified staff Safe environment Strong curriculum Good communication between staff and

parents Ongoing staff development opportunities