| Child Care Centers |
Center-based care may also be labeled child or daycare centers, nursery schools, or preschools. These facilities care for children in groups. Regulatory requirements are in place for licensure on a state level and are monitored by local agencies.For additional information on quality child care centers, contact Bright from the Start and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). |
| In Home Caregivers (Au Pair or Nanny) |
In-home care includes both live-in and live-out nannies and baby-sitters. A nanny may or may not live with the family and could be a part-time or full-time employee. An au pair often works for, and lives as part of, a host family. Typically, au pairs share the family’s responsibility for child care as well as some housework, and receive a small monetary allowance for personal use. |
| Family Day Care Providers |
Family day care providers offer care for children in the provider’s home. Requirements differ from state to state. However, the majority of states require providers to be regulated if they are watching more than four children. For additional information on quality family day care providers, contact Bright from the Start. |
| Family or Friend |
Child care that may take place either in the child’s or the caregiver’s home by a friend or family member. |
| Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) |
Pre-K provides care to children prior to attending kindergarten. The focus is to help young toddlers prepare for attending school and introduces early academics. Pre-K is typically for children between 4-5 years old. Information on Georgia-funded Pre-K can be found on the Bright from the Start web site. |
| Before & After School Care |
Many child care centers provide transportation to and from neighborhood schools, and provide coverage for children when school is not in session and parents are working. Programs are also available in some schools with services contracted with a child care vendor or, in some cases, with the county school system itself. Programs are geared to provide some fun recreational time, along with an opportunity to do homework and have a snack. |
| Parents Morning Out |
Parents morning out programs vary greatly and are generally not licensed. They are typically offered by a church, synagogue, or private school. Parent and Mother Morning Out programs are part-time child care programs that allow a parent some time for his/her self and to give a child time to socialize with small groups of other children of the same age. Children are typically between 6 months and 4 years old and are cared for by a child care worker or church member. |
| Back-up Care / Drop In |
Some child care centers and family day care providers offer working parents with a back-up plan for days when their regular child care arrangements fall through. Additionally, some centers provide part-time child care for a few hours or a few days a week. Costs, schedules and availability vary greatly in this type of arrangement, but it can be useful for a stay at home parent or someone that works part-time. |
| Extended Care |
Some child care centers provide extended day services after regular programming has ended. This is most often seen in centers where Pre-K programs exist since their day is shorter than the parent work day and these children are not yet in school. Additionally, extended care may be offered in centers catering to parents that work alternative work schedules until later in the evening, night shifts or weekends. |
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