The Care and Education of Young Children in the United States Program administration Early childhood care and education programs are operated under a variety of auspices, including those described below. Nonprofit and for-profit early care and education programs serve families at all income levels. Most are operated by nonprofit entities or for-profit organizations. Family child care programs are usually operated by individuals who are self-employed.
Families pay fees set by the center or family child care provider.
Some parents only pay a portion of the fee and receive a subsidy from the state or local agency that administers the federal Child Care Development Block Grant funds. Early Head Start and Head Start programs serve low-income families. Head Start programs are federally funded and regulated, providing eligible families with free services. Local community agencies, public schools, and other nonprofit groups operate the programs according to federal regulations. Early Head Start services can also be provided by family child care providers.