Types of Child-Care Services
The range of child-care services varies both in experience and cost. Choosing from all of the options overwhelms many new parents. A thorough analysis of the pros and cons of each option ensures an informed decision about a child's care. Price, hours of availability, level of supervision and intimacy of child care all factor into determining the appropriate choice. Because each family's style and schedule varies, the ideal child-care setting is different for each family.
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Child-Care Center
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Child-care centers enroll large numbers of children. Each classroom houses kids in the same age range, from infants to school-age children. Child-care teachers provide educational and age-appropriate activities for the kids, with assistants in the room for supervision. These facilities typically experience more regulation in their procedures and must be licensed by the state. They may have access to more resources, allowing for more hands-on activities and field trips for the kids. The drawbacks include a higher cost and fewer opportunities for bonding with the kids due to the large setting.
In-Home Child-Care Center
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An in-home child-care provider cares for children in her home. Regulations for in-home child-care providers are generally less restrictive. Each state sets its own laws regulating child care, some requiring a license for home daycare facilities. A more intimate setting based on a smaller number of children attracts some parents to an in-home provider. The drawbacks include fewer resources for special activities and field trips, as well as less supervision. Another issue revolves around the care provider's vacation and sick days. There is typically no backup care for the kids, meaning the parent must arrange his own backup or miss work if the provider is unavailable.
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Nanny
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A nanny supervises the children in the family's home. This option allows the children to remain in a familiar and safe environment. Because the children stay at home, parents save time in the morning by avoiding a trip to a daycare center to drop off their kids. The nanny focuses all of her attention on the children of the family, resulting in a higher degree of supervision. Disadvantages are the lack of social interaction offered by child-care centers. Using a nanny also costs more money than other options.
Preschool
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Preschool offers a structured, educational environment that doubles as child care for older children. The typical age range for preschool is three to five, with some programs accommodating two-year-old children. Preschool programs operate during specific hours, which restricts the flexibility of this option. Some preschools may offer before- and after-care for children whose parents work longer hours. Most preschool programs hire teachers with experience in early-childhood education and follow a set curriculum.
Relatives
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A close relative offers another possibility for child care. This option is generally the cheapest. The close personal relationship to the relative creates a loving environment for the children. Relatives are more likely to accommodate early or late hours as a personal favor. However, this option may mean fewer opportunities for interacting with other kids.
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