When there is an assistant caregiver, a license can be obtained for a maximum of fourteen children, and no more than three may be infants if the maximum of 14 children is reached. Family Child Care providers naturally vary in their beliefs about children's needs, growth and development. You and the provider should have the same understanding about the services to be provided and the responsibilities both of you are expected to carry out. Child care centers, nursery schools, Head Start programs, parent cooperatives and preschools are center-based programs that will care for your child in groups of twelve or more. These programs vary in the number of hours children are in care, the types of learning environments they offer and the specific goals of the program.
State law requires at least one adult for every twelve preschool-age children or every four infants.
When selecting a center for your child, the most important factors to consider are the ratio of children to adults and the qualifications of the staff. You will also want to choose a program whose philosophy meets the needs of your child. The National Association for the Education of Young Children has devised an accreditation system for Early Childhood Programs. This process helps teachers and directors evaluate and improve their program through a combination of self-study and an evaluation conducted by the association. The goal is to set a standard of excellence while also allowing for the diversity that exists in the field.