1.

01 Vocabulary

Term Definition

Program goals

self-concept The image a person has of himself/herself

independence The ability to function by oneself, to live/work on ones own

self-help skills Abilities that permit a person to meet his/her own needs

problem A dilemma; a complex set of factors that are difficult to resolve

diverse cultures Different backgrounds due to ethnic, religious, or other differences

small-muscle skills Abilities that require finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination

large motor skills Abilities that require coordination of arms and/or legs

Types of early childhood programs

family child care home Children are cared for in the homes of caregivers

in-home child care Children are cared for in their own homes, as by nannies or au pairs

child care center Children are cared for in care centers for the full day

employer-sponsored center Children of employees are cared for in centers located on work locations

privately sponsored center Child care center that is owned and provided by a private agency
child care parent cooperative Center owned/managed by a group of parents who make the rules and

hire teacher

high school child care center Center used to train high school students planning to go into child care

careers

laboratory school Center at a university used to train students majoring in child-related

majors

back-up child care center Short-term care center used to prevent employees from missing work

preschool/nursery school School for children three to five, usually 2 hours per day

crisis nursery Center to care for children whose parents fear they will abuse them

preschool for special needs children Center for children with disabilities

head Start preschool Prepares economically disadvantaged children under four for school

success

Montessori preschool For children three to five; teaches task mastery and independence

public school kindergarten For children four or five years of age, usually in public school buildings

public school pre-kindergarten For children three to four years old, in public school buildings

school-age child care program Center to care for children five to twelve years old before and after school

hours