Choosing the

Correct
Childcare
Program and
Different
Programs
Jessica Cox – Early
Childhood Education 1A
 Learning Objectives
• Know the categories of childcare (i.e., custodial,
developmental, and comprehensive childcare).
• Understand the pros, cons, and flexibility associated with
various types of childcare (e.g., hourly, Montessori, Head
Start, preschool, on-site, home care, day care centers and
laboratory schools).
• Understand qualifications for directors, caregivers, and
assistant caregivers.
• Know licensing rules (i.e., confidentiality issues, proof of
immunizations).
Signs of a Quality Day Care
 1. Help
children
develop a
good self-
image.
3. Help children develop their
personalities.
4. Help children grow
intellectually
5. Help children express
themselves.
6. Help children learn
independence.
7. Help children recognize
socialization skills.
 8. Provide
children with
experiences
that may not
have at home
10. Build a healthy relationship
between the child care program
and the home.
 Types of Child Care
• Custodial: care for basic
needs.
• Developmental:
intellectual development.
• Comprehensive:
combines both custodial
and developmental care.
 Extended Care (Latch Key
Programs)
Care for school age children. Before
and after school programs. Do
homework, games, and activities.
PROS
• Children are supervised
• Safe and secure
• Get help with
homework
 Home Care
Childcare provided in a person’s home or
one that comes to your home. Often
maintains a daycare philosophy
PROS
• Least expensive
• Low teacher to child ratio
• Homelike atmosphere for
easier transitions
• Flexible
 Day Care Centers
13 or more children ages 4 weeks to 13
years. License required, informal play.

PROS
• Cares for basic needs of
child
• They have concern for
the child only
 Head Start Programs
Federally funded, strengthens academic
skills, promotes social and emotional skills
for disadvantaged.
PROS
• Help children with limited
opportunity
• Parents must be involved
• Meals, transportation, etc.
• Professional staff
 Montessori School
Enhances a child’s intelligence through a
good environment. Teaches children
through use of their senses.
PROS
• Hands on learning
environment
• Skill based
• Teaches self motivation
• Teaches basic life skills
 Onsite Childcare
When an industry provides a on-site child
care center for its employees.

PROS
• Eliminates transportation
problems
• Lessens absenteeism
• Sick childcare provided
 Hourly Care (Drop In)
Childcare based on hourly rates.
Unlicensed usually because children come
less than 4 hours.
PROS
• Convenience
 Laboratory Childcare
Centers located at high schools, colleges or
vocational schools. It has a sliding fee
scale. Typically used to train teachers not
the child.
PROS
• Uses model curriculum
• Parental involvement
• Ratios are low
 Nursery and/or Preschool
Programs that operate for four or fewer
hours per day. Can also be used for
kindergarten preparation.
PROS
• Small classes
• Professional staff
• Parental involvement is
encouraged
• Developmentally planned
program