Child Care Centers

Opting for care in a child care center means that your child will be in a group setting outside of your home. Center-based programs generally care for larger numbers of children than other types of care, and children are usually grouped by age. Most centers are licensed by the state and are restricted by regulations that govern of the number of children they are allowed to serve, the ratio of adults to children, and the educational qualifications of the caregivers. If the center is accredited, it means it has gone through a rigorous examination and meets the standards set by national organizations such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Many parents prefer a center-based program for older children who might benefit from a little more structure than you'd find with in-home or family child care. It's also an appealing option if you want your child to be with peers of the same age. There is a correlation between the education and experience levels of the director and teaching staff and the quality of child care provided. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the teachers and director in the centers you visit.

To review licensing regulations, including information about the indicators of high-quality child care centers, refer to the Washington Administrative Code.