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Age Groups at Child Care Centers

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Mixed race girlNot all child care programs take children of all ages. The person or program that will be caring for your child may separate children by age or mix them together in a variety of different ways. Some of the most common age groups at child care centers are:

  • infant: 6 weeks to 15 months
  • toddler: 15 months to 2 years
  • older toddler: 2 years to 2 years and 9 months
  • preschool: 2 years and 9 months to 5 years, usually divided into groups by age
  • kindergarten: 5 to 6 years
  • school-age: 6 years and older

Understanding your child care needs

When you’re thinking about different kinds of child care, you will want to consider:

  • the age, personality, and needs of your child
  • the needs of the rest of your family
  • the location of your workplace, home, and the child care you’re considering
  • the hours your child will need care
  • what you can afford to pay

Once you’ve taken these considerations into account, you’ll want to identify your options, and then base your decision on the quality of the choices that are available to you.

Your child’s needs

You know that if you want peace of mind about your child’s well-being while you work, you must feel that your child is safe, happy, and treated with respect and affection. Think about what will make your child feel comfortable. Some children need small, quiet groups. Others do better in larger groups with lots of activity. You are the best judge of your own child’s needs. Talk to the providers you visit about your child’s personality and needs.

Remember, too, that your child is growing and changing, and will have different needs in the future. Although it is impossible to anticipate all of these needs, thinking about some of them can minimize the number of changes you might have to make. Forming attachments with their caregivers is important for children, so consider your options carefully before making a change.

Category: Parenting
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