Choosing quality child care is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. A good child care setting can have a positive impact on the development of your child. Remember, it is up to you to choose care for your child. When you have found a program that meets your family’s and child’s needs, stay involved, ask questions, and talk with your caregiver each day about your child.
There are many child care options to meet the various needs of families:
- Child Care Centers
- Family Child Care Homes
- Nursery Schools
- Legal un-licensed child care
- Head Start Programs
- School Age Programs
Looking for Quality?
The State of Maine recognizes center-based programs as being a “Quality Child Care Program” if they meet the standards of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation, or if they are a Head Start Program of Excellence. Family child care programs are recognized as quality if the hold a CDA (Child Development Credential) or meet the standards of NAFCC (National Association of Family Child Care) accreditation. There are approximately 50 programs in Kennebec and Somerset counties who hold “Quality Certificates”.
Looking for Affordability?
A Market Rate Survey is done by the Department of Health and Human Services every two years to determine the average cost of child care. Based on the 2006 Market Rate Survey the average full-time cost for center-based care is as follows:
- Infant $155-$158
- Toddlers $145-$150
- Preschool $120-$125
- School-age $100-$108
Average full-time cost for family child care:
- Infant $110-$125
- Toddler $107-$115
- Preschool $90-$100
- School-age $85-$90
Legal unlicensed program:
- rates are 70% of the family child care rate.
Looking for Accessibility?
In Kennebec county there are approximately 30 Child Care Centers, 176 Certified Family Child Care Homes, 23 Nursery Schools, 69 Legal-unlicensed child care, 25 School-age Programs, and 5 Small Facilities. In Somerset County there are approximately 7 Child Care Centers, 71 Certified Family Child Care Homes, 9 Nursery Schools, 33 Legal-unlicensed child care, and 2 School-age Programs.
For more information about child care programs and rules contact the Child Care Licensing Unit at 1-207-287-9300. Licensing rules can also be viewed or printed on-line: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/occhs/cclicensing.htm
Child Care Options strives to meet your needs. If you are not happy with our services, we want to hear form you. Click here for the Community Complaint Procedure.
Call Child Care Options to discuss your confidential child care needs with our Referral Specialist.
For more information, please call or email us.
Choosing Child Care