What are the types of child care?

There are several types of child care (or daycare as it is known in some parts of the country) that are common in most areas of the United States. Some of these types of child care are more common in some areas than in others. Some kinds of child care are recognized as a separate type (like those in places of worship) that are sometimes included with other types (like child care centers).

Are you familiar with the common types of child care? Most parents or soon-to-be parents are somewhat knowledgeable about what types of child care are available to them. You may know of a family who send their kids to a family daycare in the neighborhood. Or you may work with someone who employs a nanny.

Far fewer parents know the various benefits of each of the different types of child care. Each type of care has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding those strengths and weaknesses can help you determine which type of care is right for your child and your family.

What are the different types of child care?

Five primary types of child care are available to families. These are child care centers, family daycare homes, preschools, nannies, and family, friend, and neighbor care. Most of these types of child care will be required to be licensed by the state. The exception to this is family, friend, and neighbor care. This is a more informal type of child care this is not required to be licensed in many states. However, family, friend, and neighbor daycare providers are often eligible for child care subsidies. Check with your state’s licensing program to learn more about child care subsidies.

• Child care centers are typically housed in a commercial building and provide care for less than 24 hours a day. Most child care centers provide care to children from age 3 months through 5 years of age. Some centers also provide after-school care to school-age children.

• Family daycare homes are located in an individual’s residence. In most states, family child care programs do not care for more than 10 children. They often care for children from ages 3 months through 5 years of age. Some will provide after-school care well.

• Preschools usually provide academically-focused care for children ages 2 to 5. Most preschools do not operate 40 hours a week. Children attending preschool will often attend the program for only part of the day, a few days of the week. Preschools can be in stand-alone buildings, places of worship, or as part of a larger child care program.

• Nannies provide care in the home of a family. They are considered a household employee of a family. Nanny shares are when multiple families use the services of one nanny in one or all of their homes.

• Family, friend, and neighbor care is care that is provided by an unlicensed person who is known to the family. In some states, family, friend, and neighbor care is eligible for a child care subsidy even though it isn’t typically licensed.

What are the benefits of different types of care?

Every type of child care comes with its benefits. It is NOT the case that one type of daycare is better than the rest. Rather, some types of care are better for different ages or families with different needs. Understanding the benefits of different types of care will help you decide which type of care is right for your kids and your family.

Table 1.1.1 is an outline of the benefits that are generally associated with different types of care. Keep in mind that not every daycare program will have these benefits. There are good and bad child care programs of all types! This information is intended to provide you with a basic understanding of the different types of care so you can narrow it down to one or two that are right for you.

For example, you’ll see that the Nanny or Nanny Share category has many benefits. It is true that this type of child care is a great fit for many families. It means that their children can get one-on-one attention within the comfort of their own home. This can be excellent for babies and toddlers especially. However, nannies are expensive and cost is a major deciding factor for families. So if you can’t afford a nanny it will not be a type of child care you can consider. In that case, care with a family member or neighbor, or a family daycare provider, will likely be a great fit. Remember, there are fantastic programs of all types! Knowing your limitations, whether they be cost or location, will help you narrow down the types of care that will work for you. From there, you can go about finding the best possible care of that type.

More about the benefits of each type of child care

• Child care centers’ strengths tend to be in providing high-quality care with predictable hours and staffing. Centers can be a good fit for families who have children who are preschool-age because they excel at providing learning opportunities. One drawback of centers is that they often have limited spots available for babies. Child care for infants is frequently quite expensive in center-based child care programs.

• Family daycare homes typically excel at providing warm and loving environments for young children. They can be a great option for babies as they provide a home-like atmosphere. Family daycare programs are often affordable in cost and conveniently located within residential neighborhoods. One drawback of family child care programs is that they might not provide the social or academic enrichment for preschool-age children as compared to a center or preschool child care program.

• Preschools are often strong in providing social and academic enrichment to children ages 3 to 5. Preschools offer children a good way to ease into the transition into Kindergarten. Social opportunities abound at preschool. However, preschools are usually only part-time and are often expensive on a per-hour cost basis.

• Nannies are a wonderful child care option that allows for individualized attention for your young kids. A nanny is very frequently the most convenient option for families as they will travel to your home. Some nannies even live with the families they work for. Nannies are usually the most expensive child care option, however. And some families find that they want their preschool-age children to have more social interaction with their peers than a nanny can provide. These families often supplement their nanny child care with a preschool to get those social needs met.

• Family, friend and neighbor care is convenient and affordable care. Many parents feel more comfortable leaving their kids with someone they than with a stranger, even if that stranger is a professional. One drawback of family, friend, and neighbor care is that it can change on short notice. A friend caregiver who is doing child care as a favor might get another job and suddenly not be able to provide care for your kids.