Types of Preschools:
In-Home Child Care
There are two small preschool choices you have in California. One is called “Small Family Child Care” and the other is called “Large Family Child Care.” Here is the information on these.
Requirements for Teachers (large and small)
The adult providers must be qualified just as a teacher or aide would be for a larger center. All adults must undergo the same background checks as in a larger center.
Capacity for Small Home Child Cares
- Small in-home child cares are allowed to have 2-6 children (including the provider’s children, if they are under 10 years of age)
- There are also some requirements for the number of infants that can be there. Here is the text of the
California Requirements if you are interested.
- They may also provide care for an additional 2 school-age children, increasing these capacities by 2.
Capacity for Large Home Child Cares
- Large in-home child cares are allowed to have 7-12 children (including the provider’s children, if they are under 10 years of age)
- There is a maximum of 4 infants allowed
- There must be a 6:1 child to provider ratio
- They may also provide care for an additional 2 school-age children, increasing these capacities by 2.
Advantages
- Individual attention to your child
- Perhaps more of a sense of family
- A stronger personal connection with the staff
Disadvantages
- There may or may not be children the same age as your child
- The provider’s interest may be divided so your child may not get the teaching as in a larger school
- The play area may not be a match for your child’s age
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