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Child Care Budget for 2003-04 without realignment (LAO)
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Children and Families    Commission of Orange County
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Child Care Choices (father watching son)
Child Care Choices
Before you begin your search for child care, you should decide whether you want in-home care, where the caregiver comes to your house; or out-of-home care, where you take your child to a child care provider.

Some parents find that the best solution for their families is to combine several types of care. For others, one specific type of care is preferred. Here is a look at all of the options...
 
What Are My Child Care Choices?
How do you know what type of care is best for your child? There are many options available...
  • In-Home Care
  • Relative Care
  • Licensed Family Child Care Home (FCCH) Provider
  • Child Care Centers
  • School Aged Child Care
Choosing Quality Care is important, no matter which kind of provider you decide upon.
 
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Home-Based vs. Center-Based Care
Child care is usually divided into two main groups: in-home care and center-based care.

"In-home care" refers to anyone who comes into your house to care for your child. This could be a nanny, an au pair, a baby sitter, or even a family member.

"Center Care" can refer both to child care centers and family day care. Child care centers often employ a full staff of teachers/caregivers, while family day cares are operated out of a caregiver's home and have one primary caregiver (and occasionally an assistant).

Which one is right for your child?
 
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