As more and more Americans have to work outside of the home, child care programs have an even greater responsibility to local communities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be a 34 percent growth in the child care industry between 2006 and 2016. Most child care workers are employed part time and receive very few benefits.
Identification
Government programs sometimes help cover costs associated with child care when it is required for parents to work. This is done through a direct subsidization in which the child care costs are decreased by tax credit or upfront at the end of the year. Some companies offer workers Dependent Care Accounts as part of an employee benefits package so that these workers can take advantage of the tax credit earlier. These accounts enable employees to fund child care from money that the national government has not taxed.
History
American child care programs began during the 19th century as part of the reform and welfare movements. Previously, children used to go to work with their mothers or stay with relatives. Sometimes, they would simply stay by themselves. Day care centers began in Boston in the 1840s by focusing on merchant marine widows and working wives who were normally economically disadvantaged. The national government has sponsored day care programs during World War II and the Great Depression.
Types
There are corporate run day care programs including Bright Horizons, Le Petit Academy and KinderCare that offer structured activities and utilize a curriculum even for very young children. Family run day care programs are generally operated out of someone's and must be licensed by the appropriate municipality. They do not use curricula or have structured programs. Preschools provide child care for children between ages two to five using a curriculum and strict schedule. There are also companies that offer nanny services. Some nanny services provide live-in nannies while other services offer daytime services only.
Features
Corporate run day care programs require that their leading child care providers be certified in child development and have background checks prior to being hired. Family run child care programs often feature only a couple infants because they are usually run by only one person who may or may not be qualified in child development. Preschools only hire teachers who have child development certifications and require that employers undergo background checks prior to being hired. Preschools normally follow local school schedules. Nannies who come from nanny services have varying qualifications and do not offer formal schedules for children.
Accreditation
Day care providers like preschools, corporate child care centers, and family run day care programs are eligible to apply for National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation. This accreditation has to be renewed every couple years.
