Types of Child Care

The following information provides general descriptions of child care arrangements. Most child care is regulated by state agencies. Information about regulations for all states can be found through the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care or for Delaware through the state’s Office of Child Care Licensing.

 

Child Care Centers

A center provides care for thirteen or more children, usually grouped with other children of similar age. Children may range in age from infant to school-age. The number of children varies with licensing capacity of the facility as specified by child care licensing regulations.

The child care atmosphere is structured and school-like including planned educational activities and programs. Centers are very popular for children ages 3 to 5 because of their preschool programs and opportunity for socializing with children their own age.

 

Family Child Care Homes

Family child care occurs in the child care provider's own home and it has a family atmosphere. The size of the group is small, ranging from 4 to 6 children, ages infant to 5 years. The group may also include up to 3 school-age children. The number of children varies with the licensing level of the provider as specified by child care licensing regulations.  Even though a program may be planned, there is the flexibility for spontaneous and individualized activities. Many parents prefer this arrangement for infant and toddler care because they feel children receive more attention.

 

Large Family Child Care Homes

This type of care is similar to family child care homes, except the provider is allowed to care for 7 to12 full-time children plus 2 school-age children according to child care licensing regulations. These regulations require that a second adult caregiver be present at all times while children are in care. The health and safety inspections are more like those of a child care center, and enough space must be provided in the home for the increased number of children.

 

In-Home Care

Having someone come into the home to care for children is very convenient, but it is one of the most expensive forms of child care. Children have the advantage of being cared for when they are ill, but it is also the most risky in terms of monitoring the quality of care. Delaware does not license providers who go to someone’s home to work. It can be difficult to find a reliable person to do this job. Nanny services may be available, and they generally screen and train their caregivers. Another way to find an in-home care person is to hire an Au Pair. This is usually a young girl from Europe who will live with the family, caring for the children and doing light housework in exchange for room, board, and spending money. Au pairs generally contract for one year.

 

Head Start

Head Start is an enriching experience for children ages 3 to 5 years. Children develop skills necessary for success when they enter the public school system. This comprehensive federal program includes health screenings and services, nutritional meals, educational and social activities, as well as parent involvement in many of the program’s decisions and services. Children attend half a day, and no fee is charged for those that are income eligible. Transportation to and from the center is also provided. Some Head Start programs include what is known as a "wrap-around program" that provides full-day care for working parents.

 

Early Head Start

Recent advances in the field of infant development prompted Head Start to establish programs for infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. The mission is to promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhance the development of young children, and promote the healthy family.

 

Preschools / Nursery Schools

These are half-day programs for 3 to 5 year olds that may operate from two to five days a week. Their purpose is to give children the opportunity to play and socialize with other children their age. They have been in existence since the 1920s in America. During the last twenty years, many of these programs have switched over to full-day care because of the increased number of mothers in the work force.

 

Montessori Schools

In the first part of the 20th century, an Italian physician by the name of Maria Montessori developed a method for adapting the environment so that children reach their full potential. Her philosophy became world renown, and many schools using her techniques were established for young children. Today, her methods are still found to be valuable and there are private preschools and elementary schools that follow her practices. In order to be a Montessori school, the teachers must have formal education and be certified in Montessori methods.

 

Corporate Centers

In order to attract workers, some large corporations have established child care centers on or near the site of their company. Managers feel that parents will miss less work if their children can be cared for at a site that is close by. They also encourage parents to visit their children during the day at breaks or for lunch, knowing that if parents have peace of mind about their children they will perform much better on the job. Parents have to pay for care, but the cost may be reduced due to funding from the corporation. Many of the centers exhibit high quality care because of the company’s financial subsidy. Hospitals have led the field in setting up on-site child care.