1. Additional Child Care Programs

2. Parent Cooperatives  Run by parents who wish to take part in their children’s preschool experience.  Parents are responsible for making rules, so teachers have less control.  However, it frees teachers up for more time with the children.  Parents usually work as teacher’s aides.

3. Lab Schools  Located on a campus.  Purpose is to train future teachers and serve as a place for research.

4. High School Programs  These also train future teachers.  Usually a preschool setting.  Supervised by the classroom teachers  Students teach and observe children.  Usually operates 2 or 3 days a week.  Usually no cost to parents.

5. Sponsorship of Early Childhood Centers  Public- funded by federal, state, or local governments.  Some funds come through school districts and social service agencies.  What are some examples?

6. Sponsorship (cont.)  Private- may be operated by a church, hospital, or charitable organization.  Many are non-profit.  Employer- this helps workers balance work and family.  Some companies provide care on site, others have contracts with child care chains.

7. Employer Sponsored Child Care  Employees can spend breaks and lunch with their children.  Some employees commute a long distance and can’t take advantage of this.  Some employers offer discounts for employees to go to certain centers.  Some companies provide a referral service to match parent needs with an appropriate center.

8. Selecting a Program  Parents want their kids to be safe and comfortable (environment, nutrition)  Cost and location are important.  Quality of the program (program goals, activities, and schedules)  Experience and training of staff  Staff turnover rates  Lots of security  Pop in visits  Center Accreditation

9. Center Accreditation  This certifies that a set of standards has been met by the child care center.  To be eligible, centers must conduct a self-study.  Helps assist parents in search for high quality care.

10. Adult-Child Ratios  Age  6 weeks to 1 year  1 to 2 years  2 to 3 years  3 to 5 years  5 to 6 years  Ratios  1 adult to 3 children  1 adult to 5 children  1 adult to 6 children  1 adult to 8 children  1 adult to 10 children