Objective 2.01Objective 2.01Understand how to Understand how to select child care.select child care.

Objective 2.01Objective 2.01Understand how to Understand how to select child care.select child care.

Factors that influence child care

selections Cost of child care Location of facility Equipment and supplies Discipline methods used Program activities of child

care center Hours of operation Adult-child ratios

Personal qualities of the caregivers

Cleanliness Training and education of staff Nutrition program Transportation provided Health Department rating Star rating

CATEGORIES OF CHILD CARE:

Center-Based Care Home-Based Care

CHILD CARE CENTERSADVANTAGES: • Cares for basic

needs of child• Focused only on the

childrenDISADVANTAGES: • May be crowded

• Planned for children whose parents work full-time employees.

• Provides a safe environment

• Focuses on all areas of development

Preschool

ADVANTAGES:• Provide extra

stimulation, experiences and social skills prior to school

DISADVANTAGE• Inconvenient if parents

work or do not have transportation

• Provides educational service

• Usually 2½ hours in the morning or afternoon

• Focuses on all areas of learning

FAMILY CHILD CARE

ADVANTAGES: • HomelikeDISADVANTAGES: • Not structured• Child may not be the

first priority• Caregiver may not be

trained or licensed

• Child care within a family residence for 4 or more children

HEAD START• Federal child care

program that helps children from low-income families enter kindergarten at a higher level.

ADVANTAGES:• Meals, shots, health

care, professional staff, transportation, counseling provided.

• Activities focus on building self-esteem and helping children and families work together to solve problems.

• Has a strong educational component.

DISADVANTAGES:• Children may have

emotional problems and other risk factors

MONTESSORI SCHOOLS

• Children learn by doing and on their own by playing with Montessori toys.

• Use concrete objects and 5 senses

ADVANTAGES:• Teaches self motivation

and basic life skills

DISADVANTAGE• Low teacher interaction• High noise

UNIVERSTIY SPONSORED/LABORATORY SCHOOLS

•Main goal is to train student teachers

ADVANTAGES:• Ratios low• curriculum

professionally checkedDISADVANTAGES:• Not in all communities• May be more focused

on the adult learners than the child

EMPLOYER SPONSOREDCHILD CARE

•Parents can work near child and drop in during the day

ADVANTAGES:• Promotes families• Sick child care

provided so parent has less sick days

DISADVANTAGES:• Child may have a

longer drive

Smart Start• NC's nationally

recognized program

• Ensures young children enter school healthy and ready to succeed

• Funds come from government and private sources

ADVANTAGES• improves the

quality of child care• more affordable• provides access to

health services• offers family

supportDISAVANTAGES:• Limited enrollment

NANNY or AU-PAIR

• An individual provides care in the child’s home.

• An au pair is a person from a foreign country who lives with a family

ADVANTAGES:• Great demand for

servicesDISADVANTAGES :• Cost