How you choose child care is important.  You know what is best for your own child.  That is why the decision is up to you.  Your child counts on you to choose safe care, which offers them chances to learn and grow.

Know Your Options  

Licensed Child Care Homes: Licensed child care homes meet minimum health and safety standards as set by the state.  Children are cared for in a mixed age group setting by one or more providers.  In addition to being licensed, some homes are accredited by the National Association of Family Child Care Homes (NAFCC).  This accreditation lets the parent know that the provider has voluntarily met national standards of quality that have been established by childcare organizations.

Licensed Child Care Centers: Child care centers are established settings where children are cared for in a group setting according to their age.  Child Care Centers are required to meet more regulations than Licensed Homes or Registered Ministries.  Some centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC); they too have voluntarily met the national standards of quality, which go beyond state requirements.

 

Unlicensed Registered Ministries: Registered ministries are operated by, or affiliated with a church or religious organization.  They may operate out of a church or another location such as a home or separate building away from the church.  Ministries do not have to be licensed.  In order to be registered they must meet cleanliness rules, and pass sanitation, food safety, and State Fire Marshall inspections.  Some ministries choose to follow state standards and become licensed centers.

License Exempt Child Care Homes: In the State of Indiana, providers may care for five or fewer unrelated children without a license.  These providers are usually referred to as Legally Licensed Exempt Providers. 

Exempt Child Care Facilities: Nursery schools, before and after school programs and private school programs are exempt from licensing.

How to Use This Guide

This guide will assist you in making good child care decisions for your family.  Community Coordinated Child Care urges you to seriously evaluate your family’s needs and the child care options that may best meet those needs.