Child Care Options

Child care programs may vary in style and routine. A good program takes into consideration the child’s developmental age and provides creative activities mixed with a supportive atmosphere for learning how to interact with other children and adults.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) sets regulations about the number of staff that must be present to care for children in child care programs. For information on a particular program or provides “licensing history” contact the local EEC office at (617) 472-2881 or (508) 828-5025.

Family Child Care (FCC) is care provided in the caregivers home. This choice of care provides families with flexibility in hours needed, location and a home setting for children. Family Child Care is licensed by EEC. FCC providers may care for up to six (6) children including the provider’s own children.

Family Child Care Plus means a provider can care for up to eight (8) children as long as 2 of the children are school age. FCC Providers offering this care must have at least 3 years experience.

Large Family Child Care means that a provider can care for up to ten (10) children provide that they have a certified EEC certified assistant who is present whenever there are more than six (6) children in care.

Family Child Care Systems are private agencies that provide a variety of services to FCC providers. Many FCC Systems provide social workers and educational coordinators who assist FCC providers with training, recruitment, enrollment and technical assistance. Many systems offer transportation for children to and from child care homes.

Center-Based Care is licensed by EEC or may be license exempt depending on their overseeing entity. Centers provide full or part-time care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. In this setting your child will be in a group with planned age-appropriate activities. Child care centers vary in terms of educational philosophy, curriculum, costs and services.

Nursery School Programs typically offer only part-time care, usually for children 2. 9 years to 5 years of age and many follow the public school year schedule. Children in these programs are offered a variety of activities and have an opportunity to socialize with children their own age.

Head Start and Early Head Start are child development programs designed to promote school readiness for children. Head Start programs provide comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families.



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