Choosing Childcare

Making child care arrangements is a very personal decision for parents. It is one of the most important decisions a parent can make since the care children receive affects their future development. There are three basic types of child care: child care centers, child care homes, and child care in your own home.

A child care center provides care for groups of children by a staff of caregivers, who frequently have some type of early childhood education training. Centers are generally licensed by the state and may be accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Child care homes are either privately operated for profit by a chain or individual, or operated by non-profit agencies such as churches, public schools, government agencies, or non-profit vendors. Childcare in the home can involve using a babysitter, a professional "nanny," or another caregiver with some experience with young children.

Whatever type of childcare chosen, parents need to check references carefully. It is a good idea to make unscheduled visits to check on the child at different times of the day, and to pay close attention to his or her words or attitude toward the caregiver or facility. When using in-home care, remember that you become the employer and are responsible for both Federal Unemployment Insurance and Social Security taxes.

There are also various options for before and after school care. Programs in your community may be operated by child care centers, recreation centers, churches, and youth organizations. In many communities, schools provide after school care, sometimes called "extended day care" programs.

Common Questions

What are the different types of childcare?
There are 3 main types of childcare: in-home care, family childcare, and center-based care. Choose the caregiver that best meets your needs and your child's needs. The following information will help you choose the type of care that is best for your family. To find more information on childcare, call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246 or the National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care at 1-800-598-KIDS (5437).

In-home Care

• An in-home caregiver is someone who lives in your home or comes to your home to care for your child.
• Often, these caregivers are friends or family members.
• In-home care may be less expensive than other kinds of care if you have three or more children.
• The caregiver could go out of business at any time or need time off. Consider what your options will be if this happens.
• In-home care may be a good choice for a child who has special needs or for a child who needs care throughout the night.

Family Childcare

• Family childcare is provided in the home of the caregiver. Often the caregiver has children of her own.
• There are usually fewer children at these settings than in a childcare center. Your child may get more individual attention or enjoy the home setting.
• It is possible the caregiver could go out of business at any time. Consider what your options will be if this happens.
• Some family childcare homes are not licensed or checked by local or state agencies. It is your responsibility to make sure the caregiver's home is a safe and healthy place for your child.

Center-based Care

• At a childcare center, a group of children are cared for away from their homes for all or part of the day.
• Many childcare centers have organized activities to help your child learn.
• Some children may not like the childcare center's group setting. Some children prefer smaller groups or a home setting.
• If you want to keep your child in the same childcare setting for a long time, childcare centers are often the most reliable choice.
• Childcare centers can be good for children with special needs.

What are the steps to choosing childcare?