The various types of types of child care and preschool facilities
Leaving your child in a preschool by him/herself is not easy for any parent. However, when the need arises, you know it’s time to find the preschool. You should gather all the details you need before you start looking for a preschool. When it comes to safety, there is no better place you can leave your child while you are at work. On the other hand, it is a great way to prepare your child for primary school and more.
A child care is a facility where the parent drops the child off for a period of time. The time depends on the age group of the children. Here are a few differences you need to know.
Child care centers
They are generally located in a community building and have experts that provide educational knowledge and care. The age groups are different and generally are strictly categorized. These child care centers operate for 10 to 12 hours a day and are open for five days a week. They are normally closed on public holidays.
Family child care
This is located in a house where there are a small group of children; there is generally one adult that watches over the kids. Some even have educational activities to keep the children engaged. These also operate for 12 hours for five days a week. There are some that work on shifts as well.
Preschool
These are programs that are in existing schools. They are open only for about half a day or full days in a few. The time and the days depend on the preschool. The age group that they typically admit are 3 to 5.
School-age child care
It is a type of child care and preschool where the children are taken care of before and after school. They are programs offered to school-going children. They are even open during summers.
Known person
This is where a friend, family member, or even a neighbor takes care of the children. There are a small number of children that are taken care of and engaged in fun activities. The time and the age group are decided between the parent and the caretaker.
In-home care
When the family hires private help to watch the child and teach lessons, it comes under in-home care. This is an option that is often opted only by a few. Here, the interactions with peers are negligible compared to the other types of child care and preschool.