Child Care 101:
Types of Child Care

Licensed Family Child Care Home

boy with markerA licensed family child care home is one in which the caregiver has met the requirements for a license to care for children in her/his home. The caregiver may provide care for infants through school-age. The license has standards for the number of children that may be cared for and the ages served. Specific school-age activities and preschool curriculum may also be offered.

Some Advantages

Some Disadvantages

Child Care Centers

Child care centers are licensed by the state to care for larger groups of children in their own building or community centers, places of worship or other facilities. Centers may provide care for infants through school-age children. Children are usually separated into groups according to age. Specific school-age and preschool programs may also be offered.

Some Advantages

Some Disadvantages

Unlicensed Family/Friends/Neighbors (legally unlicensed home care)

Legally unlicensed home caregivers provide care for their own children, related children, and children from one unrelated family in the home of the caregiver. The caregivers are often friends, neighbors or relatives. There are no limits on group size or the number of young children in care.

Some Advantages

Some Disadvantages

Preschool Programs

Preschool programs usually offer two or three-hour sessions per day, a few days per week. These programs are not used primarily for child care but instead offer children an opportunity on a part-time basis to interact with other children and prepare for school. The programs are licensed and are often located in their own buildings, community centers or places of worship. Enrollment is usually limited to children 3 to 5 years old.

Some Advantages

Some Disadvantages

School-Age Child Care

School-age child care programs offer care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. A license may not be required, depending on location. They usually operate in schools, community centers, YMCA/YWCAs or park and recreation programs. Care is typically available before and after school, on school holidays and during the summer.

Some Advantages

Some Disadvantages

Other Types of Child Care

Head Start/Early Head Start

Head Start/Early Head Start promotes the growth and development of children from low-income families. Parent involvement, a health program and family support are included. Children ages 3 to 5 years old attend Head Start. Early Head Start serves families with children from birth to 3 years old. Head Start and Early Head Start may be provided in a center or a home-based setting.

Drop-In Programs (may not be available in all areas)

Drop-in programs provide immediate, short-term care for a few hours at a time and are usually located in shopping malls, community centers, etc. Most drop-in programs are licensed, with rules that vary slightly from regular child care centers. Drop-in care may also be found in some child care homes and centers.

Playgroups and Exchanges (may not be available in all areas)

Playgroups and exchanges are no-cost, informal arrangements organized by parents. Playgroups provide time for children to play while parents spend time together. In exchanges, parents take turns caring for each others' children. Because these are unregulated arrangements, there are no limits on group size or the number of young children in the playgroup.

In-Home Care

"In-home care" means a caregiver comes to your home. Most in-home caregivers are friends, family members or "nannies." Nannies often have professional training and experience. In-home caregivers are not licensed. As their employer, you may be responsible for contributing to Social Security, taxes, workers' compensation costs, insurance and vacation time. In-home caregivers may live with you or they may commute to your home.