Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Center-Based Day Care (Day-Care, Preschool, Nursery School)
Characteristics:
- Child care is provided in an organized group setting away
from home.
- Child usually must be at least two years old and toilet
trained. (A few accept infants.)
- Most serve children 3 to 5 years of age.
- May be commercial or sponsored by an organization.
Advantages:
- Usually has planned, formal program of activities and
greater variety of play materials.
- Caregivers usually trained and experienced in child
development.
- Licensing is required, ensuring minimum health and safety
standards.
- Usually less expensive than in-home care.
- Your child receives the stimulation of other children.
- Generally open 12 hours per day year-round and full- or
half-day schedules available (nursery schools usually
open half-days and closed same months as regular school).
- Care is reliably available.
- Hot lunches usually provided.
- Caregivers are supervised directly.
- Usually has outdoor play area.
Disadvantages:
- Your child may be less comfortable in a formal group
setting than in an informal home environment.
- May require year-round commitment even if your needs are
irregular.
- May require a registration fee.
- May not be available in rural areas.
- Center hours and days may not suit your needs.
- Child cannot receive care if sick.
- Usually more expensive than family day care.
- Depending on ages, siblings may not be cared for
together.
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Written by Donna Warner Manczak, Ph.D., M.P.H.
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Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems
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