Childcare comes in many forms: individual, small and large groups, in-home and center-based. Every childcare provider and setting will have its own distinct personality and philosophy toward educating, nurturing and caring for children. What’s most important is that the environment you choose is one in which your child will grow, develop and have fun.

Some of the most common childcare environments in Georgia include:

Licensed and group childcare centers
Licensed childcare centers provide care in a facility for 19 or more children and are licensed by the state of Georgia. Group childcare centers provide care for between 7 and 18 children in a private residence or specialized facility and are also licensed by the state.

Always ask to see the license when you visit a childcare provider for the first time. Licensing demonstrates that the provider met certain minimum standards during its last inspection by a government licensing authority. These standards apply to sanitation, fire safety and general safety; staff to child ratios; staff qualifications; and other aspects of care. Yet, having a license is no assurance of high-quality childcare.

In Georgia, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Child Care Licensing Section monitors licensed childcare centers. The Office of School Readiness (OSR) monitors centers that operate a Georgia pre-kindergarten program.

The DHR website (www.state.ga.us/Departments/DHR) and the OSR website (www.osr.state.ga.us) list licensed centers and give information about licensing.

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Georgia Pre-Kindergarten Program
The Georgia Pre-Kindergarten Program was established in 1993 to provide Georgia's four-year-old children with high-quality preschool experiences. Funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education, the program serves over 62,000 children each year.

The goal of every Georgia Pre-Kindergarten classroom is to provide all four-year-olds with the learning experiences they need to be prepared for kindergarten. Pre-K programs are found in public and private schools, private for-profit childcare centers, nonprofit centers, churches, hospitals, Head Start facilities, YMCAs and YWCAs.

All children four years of age on September 1 of the current school year, whose parents are Georgia residents, are eligible to attend the Georgia Pre-Kindergarten Program during the school year free-of-charge. Pre-Kindergarten programs usually operate on a regular school system calendar for the length of a typical school day.

Contact your local public school system or private preschool provider to learn where Pre-Kindergarten Programs are offered in your community and how to enroll your child. You may also call the Office of School Readiness toll-free at 1-888-4GA-PREK or check its web site at www.osr.state.ga.us for listings by county or zip code.

Extended day services beyond the 6.5-hour instructional day (before- and after-school care) may also be available. Contact the Pre-Kindergarten Program to see if this service is offered.

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Registered family childcare homes
Family childcare is provided in a personal residence for up to six children not related to the provider. Family childcare providers are registered and monitored by the Department of Human Resources.

Family childcare is the most common type of childcare arrangement in Georgia. Family childcare allows for a very small group size and a homelike environment.

For a list of family childcare providers in your area, the local childcare resource and referral agency can help you locate a family childcare home near you. Information on local agencies is available at www.ganet.org/gccc/randr/. For additional information go to www.nafcc.org — National Association for Family Child Care.

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In-home childcare
In-home childcare can be provided by a family friend or relative or a hired caregiver, such as a nanny. In-home providers may work during all or part of the workday, or may live in the home. Many families prefer in-home care because it is convenient and allows them to set the rules and schedule for care. For more information about home childcare services, visit these websites: International Nanny Association at www.nanny.org or AuPair in America at www.aupairinamerica.com.

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Parent cooperatives
In parent cooperatives, parents rotate responsibility for caring for a group of children. A parent cooperative may be an option if you have the time and desire to work with your child as well as other children, and know other parents willing to commit some of their time to do the same. You must also be willing to commit to the business responsibilities of being part of a co-op.

Networking in your neighborhood and church is a good way to explore local interest in a parent cooperative.

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Montessori schools
Maria Montessori’s theory of education states that, “Children learn best by being active.” In Montessori schools, you can expect to see children of all ages engaged in self-education. Independence, practical living, sensory training and academic experiences are stressed in a Montessori program. For more information, try these websites: American Montessori Society at www.amshq.org or American Montessori International/USA at www.montessori-ami.org

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Laboratory schools
Laboratory schools provide care for children of all ages and a learning environment for students interested in educating and working with children. These schools typically are located on a college or university campus. Some laboratory schools are open to the public as well as to an institution’s students, faculty and staff.

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Head Start centers
What began as a demonstration project in 1965 has grown into a nationwide program. Head Start offers preschool children from low-income families a free, comprehensive program designed to meet their emotional, social, health, nutritional and psychological needs. In Georgia, there are over 200 Head Start centers serving over 19,000 children. Head Start also provides services for children with special needs. While Head Start centers generally care for children ages four and five, some also offer infant and toddler care.

For a list of Head Start centers, visit www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb/.

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School-age programs
A school-age program provides care before and after school for elementary and middle school-age children. Providers in your area may include public and private schools, churches and religious organizations, childcare centers, family care providers and the YMCA and YWCA.

In Georgia, information about the School-Age Child Care Association is available at www.gsaca.com. Additional information can also be found at: National School-Age Alliance at www.nsaca.org.

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