Child Care Guide
Definitions of various child day care services listed on our site:
Day Care Centers are generally commercial or non-profit run and may even been franchised. Day Care Centers tend to be larger than in-home day cares, and may have multiple classrooms organized by age. Many feature indoor and outdoor play areas, organized activities and curriculum.
In-Home Day Cares are generally privately owned and operated out of an individual’s home. In-home day cares tend to be more intimate than day care centers and may have a handful of children of varying ages cared for by one or two adults. The features of an in-home care vary greatly from provider to provider, but most feature a more causal environment than a day care center might.
Pre-Schools generally cater to the 3-5 year old age range and simulate a classroom environment, preparing children for kindergarten. Many establishments that are specifically Pre-schools (not day cares) offer classes a few hours per day and focus on learning, not child care. Some day care centers offer pre-school programs as part of their curriculum so that children in full-time care can benefit from the early start.
Nannies generally refer to an individual who comes into your home and cares for your child(ren). Nannies vary widely in age, education, and qualifications. Nannies can be found through nanny agencies, classifieds, or through personal referrals.