Childcare Centers
A Childcare Center cares for children in groups. Parents who chose centers want larger groups, multiple caregivers and state inspections. They want more staff, space, equipment, toys and organized activities.
LICENSING: The state of Colorado requires centers to be licensed.
Licensing does not ensure quality but it does set minimum health, safety and caregiver training standards that centers must maintain.
Family Childcare Providers
Family Childcare Providers offer care for children in the provider's home. In Colorado, they may have a total of six children, with two children under the age of two. Parents who select Family Childcare want to keep their children in a homelike environment and prefer relating to a single caregiver.
LICENSING: The state of Colorado requires Family Childcare providers to be licensed.
In-Home Caregivers
An In-Home Caregiver provides care for children in the child's home. They include live-in, live-out nannies and housekeepers. Parents who select In-Home Caregivers want to keep their children in their own home environment. Also, it can be more convenient and flexible.
LICENSING:The state of Colorado does not regulate In-Home Caregivers.
Relative Care
Relative Care is care often provided by a grandparent, aunt or other relative of the family. Care is provided in the relative's home or in the child's home. In addition, parents often arrange to work different shifts, so that one parent is always available to care for the children. Parents who are able to use Relative Care believe that relatives will be warmer and more loving to their child. Sometimes parents use Relative Care because their schedules, budgets or transportation problems limit their other childcare options.
LICENSING: The state of Colorado does not regulate Relative Care