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Child Care Centers |
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Opting for care in a child care center means that your
child will be in a group setting outside of your home. Center-based programs
care for thirteen or more children and children are usually grouped by age.
Centers are licensed in Montana and are restricted by regulations that govern
the number of children they are allowed to serve, the ratio of adults to
children, and the educational qualifications of the caregivers. If the center is accredited, it means it has gone through a
rigorous examination and meets the standards set by national organizations such
as the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Many parents prefer a center-based program for children who might benefit from a little more structure than you'd find with group (7-12 children) or family child care (1-6 children). It's also an appealing option if you want your child to be with peers of the same age. There is a correlation between the education and experience levels of the director and teaching staff and the quality of child care provided. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the teachers and director in the centers you visit. To review licensing agencies and staff-to-child ratios for centers in Montana and other states, check out the National Child Care Information Center website and click on the state you are interested in.
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This page last updated on
Monday, November 13, 2006 |