1. Child and Adult Care Resources for Families13
Child and Adult Care Resources for Families

2. Objectives
Analyze four main types of child care programs families often use.
Compare and contrast family child care and center-based child care.
Analyze various methods parents and caregivers use for selecting quality child care.
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3. Objectives
Differentiate between developmentally appropriate practices and developmentally inappropriate practices.
Compare and contrast different types of older adult care available to families.

4. Types of Child Care Programs
There are four main types of child care programs from which families may choose
In-home child care
Family child care
Center-based child care
School-age child care
The best choice depends on the child’s temperament, needs, and age
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5. Types of Child Care Programs
Some parents prefer in-home child care in which one parent may choose to stay home
Nannies and au pairs may also provide in-home child care
For parents who travel for work and need flexibility in their child care, a nanny may be a good choice
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6. Types of Child Care Programs
Part of the draw of using an au pair is for children to gain a cross-cultural experience while receiving care
Playgroups are a good way for in-home care providers to give their children opportunities to play with other children as they socialize with other parents
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7. Types of Child Care Programs
Family child care centers are operated in the caregiver’s private home for a small number of children
Licensed family child care centers operate with written expectations and policies
Unlicensed centers are unsupervised by outside agencies and may not meet safety and other child care standards
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8. Types of Child Care Programs
Center-based child care programs are provided in a center and not in a home
Center-based child care programs may be
for-profit (established to generate profit or money)
nonprofit (not established for the purpose of making money)
Nonprofit centers are usually less costly than for-profit programs
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9. Types of Child Care Programs
Two options for center-based child care are
day care centers
preschool programs
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10. Types of Child Care Programs
Day care centers offer care to large groups of infants, toddlers, and children with many caregivers
Many are licensed and have clearly written policies for hours of operation
May offer part- or full-time programs
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11. Types of Child Care Programs
Preschool programs focus on preparing 3- to 5-year-olds for the next level of schooling
Preschools focus on play and academics
Some preschool programs also provide meals and other services
Head Start helps prepare low-income preschoolers for school
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12. Types of Child Care Programs
Children in self-care are unsupervised children who provide care for themselves for the few hours when a parent is away from the home before or after school
Also known as latchkey children
State laws vary regarding the age children can begin to stay home alone
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13. Types of Child Care Programs
For children who are not ready for self-care, school-age child care programs provide care for them in safe, healthy, and stimulating environments
Before- and after-school care programs provide further care for children and adolescents before or after school
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14. Types of Child Care Programs
In addition to school-based care programs, other programs or clubs also provide care, mentoring, homework help, and appropriate activities
The purpose of these clubs is to help students
meet educational needs
develop interests
spend time with mentors

15. Selecting Quality Child Care
When comparing in-home caregivers and child care centers, consider
hours of operation or employment
flexibility and cost
methods of instruction and activities
types of discipline
amount of staffing available
regulations
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16. Selecting Quality Child Care
When evaluating child care centers, one of the first factors to consider is the center’s licensing and accreditation
Accredited child care centers are licensed and meet additional standards set forth by a professional child care organization
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17. Selecting Quality Child Care
Ages of children at the center determine the minimum number of caregivers needed
The child–caregiver ratio is the appropriate number of caregivers available for each child
Group size refers to the maximum number of children that can receive care in one place
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18. Selecting Quality Child Care
The qualities of the caregivers and their interactions with children are important
Characteristics of Quality Caregivers
adaptable
fond of children
loving
committed to ongoing education
interested in child development
nondiscriminatory
compassionate
honest
patient
empathetic
kind and caring
reliable
encouraging
knowledgeable
responsible
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19. Selecting Quality Child Care
Quality caregivers demonstrate positive, appropriate interactions with children
Appropriate interaction is indicated by positive physical contact
Patting the child on the back
Hugging the child
Holding the child’s hand
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20. Selecting Quality Child Care
Quality caregiving can be seen in emotional and social interactions with children
Listening and talking with children
Comforting children when they are distressed
Asking them questions and answering theirs
Offering encouragement and praise
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21. Selecting Quality Child Care
Another part of appropriate child–caregiver interaction includes
guiding children’s behaviors and choices
helping them make age-appropriate decisions
Arranging an interview can help determine the qualities and qualifications of the potential caregiver
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22. Selecting Quality Child Care
Parents and caregivers form a care team and need to communicate about
expectations and special instructions
goals, updates, and progress
concerns
any special needs, such as medications, allergens, or special equipment
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23. Selecting Quality Child Care
Program activities depend on the age and developmental milestones of each child
Quality care centers base activities on DAPs, or developmentally appropriate practices
DAPs are age-appropriate activities and teaching methods that consider each child’s strengths, interests, and culture
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24. Selecting Quality Child Care
Some care centers will have DIPs, or developmentally inappropriate practices
DIPs are activities that focus on infants, toddlers, or children as a group without considering developmentally appropriate activities or individual preferences
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25. Selecting Quality Child Care
Child care centers may not discriminate against children with special needs
Centers must be accessible for all children, including those with disabilities
Caregivers must be knowledgeable about varying types of special needs
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26. Selecting Quality Child Care
Licensed care centers go through periodic inspections to determine safety levels
Care centers should
be childproofed
have emergency precautions
have outdoor play areas in a safe location
maintain good sanitation and health practices
be clean and well kept
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27. Selecting Quality Child Care
A child care center that is visually stimulating can be an interesting place for a child
The surrounding artwork, colors, toys, and music can all be positive indicators
Rooms divided into different areas for varying kinds of play, reading, eating, and resting can also be stimulating to children
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28. Selecting Quality Child Care
Visiting a center or preschool is one of the best ways to research child care options
Observations can be objective or subjective
Creating a list of questions can help track concerns and record observations
Parents should continue to monitor child care choices after they have made their selection

29. Older Adult Care and Services
Families may need to provide alternate care when older adult family members are unable to care for themselves
Alternative living arrangements that require relocation include
independent living communities
assisted living communities
retirement homes
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30. Older Adult Care and Services
For older adults living with family, other part-time care options in addition to family care may be necessary
Adult day care center
Home health care worker
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31. Older Adult Care and Services
Adult day care centers offer safe environments staffed by health and other care specialists
Centers provide services during the day and offer age-appropriate activities
May offer intergenerational activities
Can be physically, cognitively, and socio-emotionally beneficial
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32. Older Adult Care and Services
Older adults living independently may have a home health care worker who lives with the older adult or checks on them periodically
A large proportion of in-home caregivers are unpaid family members
Spouses, adult children, or extended family
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33. Older Adult Care and Services
Older adult care must meet the needs of the older adult as well as the family members
Several resources can make the process of finding older adult care easier for families
Community programs
City, county, and state programs and services
Local support groups
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34. Older Adult Care and Services
Once adult care is selected, the family and older adult should continue to assess the quality of care
Adults and caregiver staff can determine if care provided meets the older adult’s needs
Family members often visit the older adult to ensure caregivers are providing quality care