Your Options  for Child Care

Note: Some of the following information is specific to Michigan. For more information about the rules and regulations defining child care in Michigan, visit the Michigan Department of Human Services, Bureau of Child and Adult Licensing, Child Day Care Licensing.

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Group Size & Age Range	Adult/Child Ratios	Setting
Schedule Flexibility	Advantages	Disadvantages

Type of Care:  Differences & Similarities	Child Care Centers	School-Age Child Care Centers	Family & Group Child Care Homes	In-Home Care
Does Michigan law requires license/ registration?	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Group Size & Age Range:	Children are often age-grouped. Group size varies from up to 4 infants and up to 20 or more preschoolers or school-aged children.	Generally range from 10 to 20 or more children; groups may or may not be divided by age.	Ages often vary as in a family group, some providers limit services to specific ages. Group size varies from up to 6 (family) to up to 12 (group). No more than 2 children (family) or 4 children (group) under 18 months.	Usually siblings from one family.
	Child Care Centers	School-Age Centers	Family & Group Homes	In-Home Child Care
Adult/Child Ratios:	More than one adult with children. Child may have two sets of teachers during the day.	One adult for up to 20 children.	One adult for up to 6 children (family) or 2 adults for up to 12 children (group).	One adult cares for child(ren) of one family.
	Child Care Centers	School-Age Centers	Family & Group Homes	In-Home Child Care
Setting:	Typically non-residential areas, may be in a separate building or share space in universities, hospitals, churches, etc. Generally located in space adapted for child care.	Similar to child care centers. Often located in schools, churches, YMCAs/YWCAs or community recreation buildings.	Homes of all types in most residential areas. Most providers use all or part of their living space for care; some set aside space just for child care and arrange the space specifically for children's care and play.	Takes place in the child's own home.
	Child Care Centers	School-Age Centers	Family & Group Homes	In-Home Child Care
Schedule Flexibility:	Open daily, Monday through Friday, year round. Generally have fixed hours and schedules when children can attend.	Usually open weekdays before and after school. Many are open full days during school vacation weeks and some run summer programs.	Most offer some degree of flexibility in terms of hours and days, and emergency care. Some providers offer non-traditional hours of care (evening, over-night and weekends)	Can be completely arranged by parent and caregiver. May provide flexible evening, weekend and sick-child care.
	Child Care Centers	School-Age Centers	Family & Group Homes	In-Home Child Care
Advantages:	Open daily all year. Availability not affected by provider illness or vacations. Typically offer curriculum that reflects principles of child development. Planned mechanism for involving and communicating with parents. Staff apt to have training and experience with young children Opportunities for children to interact with children their own age. May have better access to resources and services for children with special needs.	Availability not dependent on caregiver's health. Open during school vacations, as well as after-school hours. Opportunities for children to interact with children their own age.	Provide smaller group in home-like setting that may be more manageable or desirable for some children. Children interact with fewer adults during the day and have an opportunity to form a close bond with caregiver. May be more flexible than center care in terms of hours, part-time or unusual work schedules; may be able to accommodate mildly sick children. Wide variety of caregiver styles and environments are possible.	Allows child to remain in familiar environment. Child's exposure to illness from other children is reduced. Provides maximum flexibility for parents' work schedules. May be less costly option for families with more than one child in need of care. Accommodates children with difference schedules (i.e., one part day kindergartner, one full day school, one at home). Children interact with only one caregiver.
	Child Care Centers	School-Age Centers	Family & Group Homes	In-Home Child Care
Disadvantages:	May not meet needs of parents with late, early, rotating or part-time work schedules; usually less able to accommodate fluctuations in parent schedules or emergencies. Usually unable to accommodate sick children. Larger group sizes and fluctuations in staffing may pose a difficulty for some children and families.	Usually unable to accommodate flexible schedules and sick children. Transportation from school to the center may be a problem for parents who work full-time. Children may resist attending if activities or curriculum do not interest them. Some children may have difficulty when rules and expectations are very different from those at home or school.	Back-up care may be needed for times when provider is ill, on vacations or otherwise unable to care for children. Reliability may be dependent on provider's health and life circumstances. Parents and providers have a very close relationship, which can lead to conflict if communication is not excellent and if values and child-rearing styles differ greatly.	May be more difficult to monitor quality (particularly if child is pre-verbal). Consistency and reliability tend to be lower than for other types. Back-up care will be needed for times when the caregiver is ill or unable to work. Parent becomes an employer and must keep records and file all appropriate tax forms.