1. S UBSTITUTE C HILD CARE

2. C ARE I N T HE CHILD ’ S H OME Setting: Childs home Number of children: Child & Siblings Characteristics - Convenient for parents. - Provides individual attention to child. - No opportunity for play with other children. Cost: Expensive

3. F AMILY D AY CARE Setting: Caregiver’s home Number of children: Few Characteristics - Setting is familiar and comfortable. - Chance for social learning and play Cost: Less expensive

4. P LAY G ROUP Setting: Different homes and caregiver’s Number of children: Few Characteristics - Home setting is familiar. - Parents take turns caring for other children. Cost: Usually free

5. D AY C ARE C ENTER Setting: Group facility Number of children: Varies with facility size, can be many Characteristics - Variety of activities may be offered. - Child has chance to play with others. - More structured setting with daily routine. - May only take child older then two. Cost: varies with center staff, facility, and whether profit or nonprofit

6. N URSERY S CHOOL Setting: Group facility Number of children: Varies with facility size, can be many Characteristics - Provides educational programs - Ususally operates ½ days Cost: varies

7. P ARENT C OOPERATIVES Setting: Group facility Number of children: Varies with facility size Characteristics: -Parents must provide supervision at the center. -Parents learn about child development. Cost: varies with center staff, facility, and whether profit or nonprofit

8. H EAD S TART C ENTERS Setting: Group facility Number of children: Varies with facility size Characteristics: -Only for low income or disadvantaged children. -Activities are planned to improve development and health. Parents are actively involved Cost: Government funded—free to families

9. M ONTESSORI S CHOOLS Setting: Group facility Number of children: Varies with facility size Characteristics: - Specialized learning programs—hands on experiences—creates independence Cost: Expensive

10. E XTENDED D AY (RKK) Setting: Schools Number of children: Varies Characteristics: -Variety of activities before/after school/vacations Cost: Less expensive

11. D AY A CTIVITY C ENTER Setting: Group facility Number of children: Varies Characteristics: Specialized programs for children with Special needs. Cost: Funding through the school district/community