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Types of Child Care

Below is information about what to look for in various types of child care. Regardless of the option that you prefer, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Take your time.
  2. Screen options by telephone.
  3. Select caregivers to visit.
  4. Ask questions.
  5. Observe caregiver with children.
  6. Interview more than one caregiver.
  7. Try to match parenting styles.
  8. Develop a written agreement.
  9. Trust your instincts.
  10. Notify providers not selected.
  11. Call 4C at any time during your child care search if you need further assistance.
Southwest Ohio 513-758-1330
Northern Kentucky 859-781-3511, x1330
Miami Valley 937-220-9660, x1330
Toll-free 800-256-1296, x1330

Family Child Care

Advantages Disadvantages
  • home-like environment
  • mixed age group
  • warm and comfortable atmosphere
  • greater availability of neighborhood programs
  • flexible hours
  • small group size
  • usually least expensive type of care
  • providers often have less training
  • difference in values and styles
  • not as well monitored as center care
  • care can be less stable than at a center
What to Look For
  • warm and loving atmosphere
  • organized, responsible and dependable individual(s)
  • compatible parenting styles
  • safe home, free of hazards
  • legal number of children
  • excellent references
  • open door policy

Child Care Centers

Advantages Disadvantages
  • staff trained in child development (15 hours per year minimum)
  • planned age-appropriate activities
  • variety of appropriate equipment and supplies
  • greater dependability of care
  • licensed by city and/or state
  • location not always convenient
  • little flexibility in hours/days of care
  • larger group size
  • generally more expensive
  • child cared for by more than one caregiver
What to Look For

Environment

  • safe
  • pleasant and engaging
  • child-sized furnishings

Staff

  • training
  • warm, patient, friendly
  • legal adult/child ratios

Program

  • variety of materials and activities
  • balance of structure and free choice
  • program plans posted

Health and Safety

  • licenses posted
  • sick child policy
  • first-aid kit
  • safe playground

Parents

  • encouraged to visit
  • regular communication regarding daily activities
  • center policies provided to parents

In-Home Care

Advantages Disadvantages
  • convenient,
  • no need to transport/transition child
  • reduced exposure to illness
  • allows for closer provider/child relationship
  • flexibility of hours
  • most expensive form of care
  • employer responsibilities
  • locating care can be time consuming
  • difficult to monitor
  • lack of group socialization and activities
What to Look For
  • dependable, responsible individual
  • excellent references
  • compatible parenting styles
  • warm and loving personality
  • compatible housekeeping styles
  • reliable transportation

Preschools

  • part-day/part-week programs
  • traditionally serve children ages 3-5
  • may be based on a particular early childhood philosophy: Montessori, constructivist, or developmental
  • some parent involvement may be required
  • operate according to school calendar
  • children placed in same-age or mixed-age groupings, depending on philosophy
  • goal is often to provide social, emotional development and group interaction for children, prior to regular school experience
  • standard licensing requirements

School-Age Care

  • provides care for children over age five when school is not in session before- and/or after-school or summer care
  • options include:
    • elementary school programs
    • in-home care
    • YMCA or community centers
    • self care
    • family child care
    • camps and recreation programs
    • informal care
    • networks
  • choices can vary, depending on age of child, family needs, location, and schedule
  • older school-age children should be involved in selection process
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Call us and speak with a 4C parent counselor for a free consultation.

Southwest Ohio 513-758-1330
Northern Kentucky 859-781-3511, x1330
Miami Valley 937-220-9660, x1330
Toll-free 800-256-1296, x1330

Resources for Parents