Group Daycare
Private, Workplace and Cooperative Childcare, Day Centers and Chains
An overview of the five types of group daycare including the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Selecting childcare is an important task worthy of careful consideration. Group daycare is a common option for families where there are two working parents and a popular option for single parents. There are five types of group childcare: private childcare centers, workplace childcare, cooperative childcare, nonprofit childcare, and chain centers.
Private Childcare:
Private daycare involves childcare outside the licensee’s own home and is usually located in commercial buildings. Daycare centers which are facilities dedicated to providing childcare to larger groups of children encompassing a fairly large range of ages (usually from babies through pre-schoolers).
Quality daycare centers are state-licensed and often have other types of accreditation from non-profit childcare organizations. Children are placed in smaller groups and receive the attention of pre-specified caregivers. Childcare staff must have completed courses in Child Development or Early Childhood Education.
There is no limit to how many children a center may accept, as long as staff-child ratios and other licensing requirements are met, says Nanci Weinberger, an associate professor in the Applied Psychology Department at Bryant College who focuses on early childhood environments.
Workplace childcare
Workplace childcare centers are provided by employers. One of the most rapidly growing options, corporate daycare is gaining popularity because employers are recognizing that providing onsite daycare is not only a nice benefit for employees but makes good business sense. Employers that provide daycare find they improve employee moral, productivity and retention, says Ann Douglas, author of The Unofficial Guide to Childcare.
Cooperative Childcare
Cooperative childcare is daycare run by a group of parents who hire staff to care for their children, allowing parents to decide what services are provided and who is hired.
Nonprofit Daycare
Nonprofit daycare is usually for low income families and is funded by government agencies and private donations.
Chain centers
Chain centers offer standardized programs and curriculum for children. They are growing rapidly and are profit oriented.
Advantages of group daycare
Group daycare is very dependable. The programs are usually well organized and structured, says Douglas. The staff is usually trained and educated about child development; group daycare must be licensed and licensed daycare providers are monitored by the government.
Disadvantages of group day care
Staff turnover may be high. The hours are less flexible than other types of daycare. Children are exposed to more illness. Also care is less individualized because there usually is a higher staff/child ratio says Loren Slocum, author of No Greater Love: Being an Extraordinary Mom.
See Related Articles:
How to Select a Daycare Provider
How to Interview Daycare Providers
