A common child-care program is a licensed care center. Here, children interact in larger groups with children their own age in a larger physical area with multiple caregivers. Many parents choose this type of program because they like the security of the center being licensed by the state and because it is inspected for proper management. Also, you may choose this type of care if you value structured and organized activities with more resources, equipment and toys.
With child care in a home setting, care is provided to small groups of children in the caregiver's home. Most states require that these homes be registered or licensed and that they meet certain requirements, which will depend upon the state you live in. Also, all states set minimum standards of safety, nutrition and health that have to be met by providers. Many parents choose this type of care because they like having their child among small groups of children in a home environment.
In-home child care involves nannies, au pairs, babysitters, relatives, friends or neighbors provide care for your child in your home. Most states do not regulate in-home caregivers. Parents choose this type of child care for various reasons, including safety, convenience, flexibility, price and control.
It can be hard to find child-care programs for children with disabilities and special needs. However, you can contact the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities to receive a free list of national organizations in your area that would know of child-care programs that can meet your child's needs.
Head Start is a federally funded child-care program with locations throughout the United States. Head Start provides child care to low-income families and care for infants through 5 year of age. Head Start provides educational, social, nutritional, medical, dental and mental health services to help prepare children for public school.
There are still more types of child-care programs available. There are part-time preschool programs and nursery schools that provide care mostly for children 2 1/2 to 5 years of age. For children ages 5 to 12 (or older), before- and after-school programs are available, such as the Girls and Boys Clubs. There are also vacation and summer programs mostly for school-age children that provide many activities, games and sports.