As I understand it, my child and I have no choice. He would be compelled to go simply to be in day care. The other choice would be alternative care - an additional expense for the family. What most children need in care from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or for a few hours a day is a safe environment with caring, responsible caregivers. Enrichment can come in the form of time spent reading with or to someone, preparing dinner or doing chores.
Enrichment can come from grocery shopping or an evening's star gazing.
Many families have chosen to utilize day care only part-time so that they, as families, can enrich each other. But enrichment comes at a price. It may be that Mom works days and Dad works nights. In the case of part-time care, the price is too high and families are being penalized for finding a way to spend time together. We have seen three versions thus far.