Choosing Preschool Care

Care for preschoolers comes in all kinds of settings and sizes – center-based, family child care homes, playgroups or shares. Traditionally, “preschool” referred to a part-time program for three- and four-year olds in a center-based setting. Although there are still preschool programs in this classic sense, preschool care now encompasses a wide variety of programs and environments for children. Quality learning can happen in many different settings.

What Setting is Best for My Child?

The various child care options for preschool-aged children can be confusing. Whether choosing a child care center, a family child care home, a playgroup or a shared in-home caregiver arrangement, keep in mind that the quality of your child’s educational experience will depend most of all on the people working with him or her. If the adults caring for the children are warm, caring, and nurturing; if they know about the ages and stages of child development; if they interact with the children; if they show “generosity of spirit;” if your child and you “connect” with them – then your child will thrive and learn.

Children are different; what is the best ‘fit’ for one child may not be the best choice for another. Let your child’s interests and needs be your guide in choosing a preschool setting. High energy children need lots of space to run around, climb, swing or ride trikes. They tend to thrive in mixed-age groups that allow them to play with older children who match their physical energy and skill. A large family child care program, or a child care center with lots of outdoor space, might be a good fit. On the other hand, a shy, sensitive child might thrive in a share, a playgroup or a small family child care home where it’s easier to bond with one or two caregivers – and easier to find a quiet spot to read, work on projects and relax. Visiting programs and getting to know caregivers is the best way to see how a particular situation might work for your child.

Options for Preschool Care

Child Care Centers – These are state-licensed child care programs in non-residential settings. What many call “preschools” are licensed as child care centers – there is no separate licensing category called “preschool.” Child care centers can be licensed to serve a variety of age groups. Although some centers accept children under 2 years old, the number of center-based options increases as children get older. They tend to serve more children than family child care homes, separating the children by age. Many full-day center-based programs offer part-time options, while others are exclusively part-time. See BANANAS Handout “Choosing a Child Care Center” for more information.

Family Child Care – These are programs licensed by the state which operate out of the provider’s home. Some family child care providers work with mixed-age groups. Other family child care providers offer programs for specific age groups. The small size and home setting of family child care often allow for more flexibility than centers. See BANANAS Handouts “Choosing Family Child Care,” “A Closer Look At Large Family Child Care,” “How Many Children Can Be Cared for in Licensed Family Child Care Homes?” for more information. (BANANAS Handouts are available at our office, by mail or from our website, www.bananasinc.org.)