Types of Early Childhood Programs

1. Types of Early Childhood Programs

2. Discuss: • What are the different types of Early Childhood programs available? • What are advantages and disadvantages of having different types of programs available to parents.

3. Family Childcare Homes: • Child care is provided in a private home. • Small number of children. • Often located in the child’s neighbourhood. • Supposed to be licensed. • Popular with infants and toddlers. • Why might parents prefer family child care? • What possible problems may occur with family child care?

4. Child Care Centers • A facility that offers full-day children’s programs. • Most popular type of care and education. • Care is designed to meet the child’s basic nutrition, health and safety needs. • Curriculum emphasizes the whole child including their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs. • Most centers open early and stay open late. • What is your idea of an ideal child care center?

5. Montessori Schools • Developed by Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. • The Montessori theory states that children learn best by being active. • Montessori schools believe in self-education. • The primary goal is for children to “learn how to learn.” • Children must learn to care for themselves. • Teachers provide little help. • How do you feel about the Montessori approach? Do you feel it is better than, worse than, or equal to other preschool programs?

6. Head Start • A preschool and family support program. • May be center based (Moncton) or home based. • Provides a number of medical and social services to promote child development. • Staff encourage self-confidence, curiosity, and self-discipline. • Provide at least one healthy snack and one hot meal a day. This program serves food that reflect the child’s ethnic and cultural preferences. • Children are given a total health plan. • Why is it important to involve parents in the Head Start program?

7. Kindergarten • Kindergartens in New Brunswick are a part of our public school system. • The goals of kindergarten are: • Respect for the contributions, property, and rights of other children • Development of positive feelings about school • Development of a positive self-concept • Growth in language, social, and physical, and creative skills • Achievement of problem-solving and cognitive skills • Development of independence, shown by working alone on a task or developing self-help skills • Development of interpersonal skills • Appreciation of objects of beauty

8. School-Age Child Care • Provide care for children before and/or after school. • Often sponsored by schools, houses of worship, or child care centers. • Children from 5 to 10 years most often attend. • Children are provided with help with homework, play games, and take part in other activities.

9. Parent Cooperatives • Formed and run by parents who wish to take part in their children’s preschool experience. • Parents prepare budgets, hire teachers, set program policies and goals, and assist in the classroom. • They provided developmental experiences for adults as well as children. • What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of teaching in a parent cooperative?

10. Laboratory Schools • These are university or college affiliated programs and are usually located on campuses. • The primary purpose is to support practical experience for future teachers and to serve as a study group for research. • Most of these schools have a highly qualified staff, a well-planned curriculum, up-to-date facilities, and excellent equipment. • What do you think are the possible benefits and disadvantages of laboratory schools?