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 Choosing Child Care
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Two Child Care Options:
Family or Center Based
Choosing child care has become one of the biggest dilemmas faced by today's parents. If you are looking for child care, you probably have a good idea of what you want – a place that is safe and loving, where children can learn and have fun. You're also likely to be concerned about cost, convenience, and availability. It's your primary responsibility to weigh the pros and cons of each child care option, and to make decisions that are based on common sense and compatibility.
The following comparison of family child care and center-based child care is designed to provide you with basic information about each option. Evaluating this information should help you to decide which option best meets your family's needs.
Family child care:
 The most common type of child care, this small setting involves a caregiver providing care in his or her home. Registered family child care providers care for a small group of children (maximum of 3-6 children per household), usually of varying ages. This option tends to be less expensive than other types of care, largely because of reduced expenses.
These providers are required to register with the New York Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS), however some people do not. You should make it a priority to request a copy of the provider’s license and to call the state licensing agency for validation. Proper licensing allows the state to monitor these programs for the total number of children enrolled, provider-to-child ratios, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Because you are choosing one specific person to spend considerable time with your child, it is imperative that you agree with the provider's child rearing philosophy, and that you share a similar understanding of child development. Family day care providers are not required to hold a CDA certificate (Child Development Associate) or college degree in early childhood education, so you'll need to decide what combination of education and experience you are comfortable with.
As with any child care option, the quality of family child care programs will vary greatly. Research each program thoroughly before choosing, paying careful attention to the cleanliness and safety of the physical setting, the personality and background of the caregiver, and the organization of the program and policies.
Child care centers:
 Child care centers are established settings that are strictly regulated by New York State. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) assumes responsibility for monitoring the total number of children enrolled, provider-to-child ratios, and compliance with health and safety regulations. In addition, New York State also establishes guidelines for the educational requirements of the teachers (CDA or college degree) and requires pre-approval of educational program content. Many parents appreciate the active role that New York State takes in regulating these facilities because it eases their concerns about the standard of care provided.
Child care centers can care for larger groups of children than family child care programs, and are required to separate the children by age groups. These larger settings have established routines for academics, play, and nutrition, providing stability and structure for the children who are enrolled.
Similar stability is provided for parents in that these programs maintain specific hours of operation, have established policies for attendance and payment, and should provide a substitute caregiver if a one staff member is absent. Child care centers also often have the resources for program "extras" such as on or off site field trips, enrichment activities such as dance lessons, and outdoor playgrounds and play equipment.
Again, the quality of center-based care will vary greatly. A high-quality program will exceed the state guidelines for safety and cleanliness, and will have a well-developed educational curriculum. A good program will also have clear, concise center policies, and will consider parents as partners in the child care contract. Most importantly, high quality child care center will employ well-trained, enthusiastic staff members who understand child development and will be appropriate role models for your child.
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