How can I compare home-based Family Child Care and Child Care Centers?

When looking at options for child care there are many important factors to evaluate. Here is a quick comparison of two popular types of child care. Both of these types of providers are licensed and monitored by Child Care Licensing (under the department of Social Services) 

Home-based Family Child Care	Child Care Center
Provide child care in a caregiver's family home	Provide child care in a classroom facility
Hours are usually set; however, their schedules are often more flexible than centers. Some provide non-traditional hours care (e.g., overnight).	Hours of operation are set, and flexibility is rare
Health and safety and CPR certifications are required but education and experience varies	Health and safety and CPR certifications are required, and teachers must complete 12 Early Childhood Education post-secondary units
The average cost is often less than centers. Click here to view cost comparisons	The average cost is typically higher than for an FCC. Click here to view cost comparisons
Less likely to have a waitlist and registration fees	Often have waitlists and some have additional registration fees
The curriculum is diverse and varies greatly by provider. Activities may be less formal and taught through various techniques and pedagogies.	The curriculum is diverse and utilizes various teaching techniques and pedagogies. Lesson plans may be more formally designed and presented.
Flexibility to care for children ages 0-13 yrs. old (each program may vary)	Care for children 0-6 yrs. (each program may vary)
Typically, has mixed-age groups	Typically taught in groups divided by age

Visit our mobile-friendly Child Care Finder to find a program near you or contact a Child Care Resource and Referral Counselor to discuss your child care options and obtain a listing of programs. Email: [e-mail] or [phone]. 

Want to learn more about your child care options? Join a workshop on Choosing Child Care and/or Choosing a Preschool. Register here.