School Based Licensed Exempt Programs
Why choose a School Based Program? Parents usually choose school based programs so the child can stay in one location before and after school. Sometimes parents use this type of care because their schedules, budgets or transportation problems limit their other child care options.
These programs are exempt from licensure, but must meet city/county health and safety regulations. A school-based program refers generally to before and after school programs, or those that are open on the days when school is closed and that serve only school-age children.
Informal Care
Why choose informal care? Parents who use this kind of care consider themselves lucky to have a relative, friend or neighbor care for their children. They believe that these caregivers will provide warmer, more loving care and that the child will be more secure. Sometimes parents use this type of care because their schedules, budgets or transportation problems limit their other child care options.
Informal care takes place in a person’s home where one adult cares for the children from only one family. The person is often a relative, neighbor and/or friend. This type of care has no state guidelines or inspections. It is possible for informal providers to participate in the subsidized School Readiness programs, as long as they complete a six-hour health and safety course, and other requirements set by the Early Learning Coalition.
Summer Camps and Recreational Programs
These programs operate only during summer breaks for children in kindergarten and above. Adult/child ratios vary. This type of care requires no state inspections. Personnel other than owners/operators are not required to be fingerprinted (although many programs do fingerprint employees), but must comply with all other screening requirements.