Child Care Options: Centers, Homes, Preschool, and School-Age Care

A plain-language tour of child care options, from licensed centers and family child care homes through preschool, Head Start, and school-age programs.

Updated 2026

This guide is informational and is not professional advice.

Category: choosing-care · Updated 2026

People often picture child care as one thing, yet it is really several parallel paths. A family might need full-day infant care, a part-day preschool, a Head Start program, or before- and after-school care for an older child. Knowing what each option is designed to deliver stops families from paying for care they do not need or choosing a setting that cannot meet the actual need.

This guide explains the main options, what each one supplies, and the questions that tell them apart.

Full-day child care centers

Centers provide care for groups of children, usually grouped by age, with multiple caregivers and a daily schedule. They may serve infants through school-age children and often offer full-day, full-year enrollment. Meals, naps, and learning activities are part of the routine. Centers are licensed and inspected by the state.

Family child care homes

Family child care homes operate in the provider's residence and enroll a small number of children, often of mixed ages. They tend to be more home-like and flexible, with one or two caregivers. Licensing rules cap the number and ages of children who may be present.

Preschool and pre-kindergarten

Preschool programs focus on early learning and school readiness, usually for children ages three to five. Many run part-day or during the school year. State-funded pre-kindergarten may be free for eligible families. Preschool is often a complement to, not a replacement for, full-day care. See Preschool or Head Start: How They Differ.

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a federally funded program for children from low-income families, and Early Head Start serves pregnant people and children under three. Programs provide early learning, health screening, nutrition, and family support, often at no cost to eligible families. Eligibility rules and local availability vary. See CCDF Subsidies and Child Care Assistance.

School-age and summer programs

School-age programs serve children roughly five to twelve before and after school, on school holidays, and during the summer. They may operate at a school, a community center, or a child care center. The focus is supervision, enrichment, and recreation rather than full-day preschool curriculum.

Sources: ChildCare.gov; Office of Head Start; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care.

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Frequently asked questions

Which option is best for an infant?

Infants need small groups, low ratios, and consistent caregivers. A family child care home or an infant room in a center with strong ratios can both work well. Visit at nap time and ask how each caregiver responds to crying.

Is Head Start free?

Head Start is free for families who qualify, and eligibility is based mainly on income and other factors. Some programs also fill a limited number of slots for over-income families. Contact your local program to check.

Can my child attend preschool and child care at the same time?

Yes. Many families use a part-day preschool plus a child care program that covers the rest of the day. Ask both providers whether they can coordinate transportation and schedules.

What is a child care resource and referral agency?

It is a local or state agency that helps families find and compare providers, understand subsidies, and navigate waitlists. Many services are free.

Data sources

ChildCare.gov · ChildCare.gov state licensing directory. This guide is informational and is not professional advice. Data as of 2026-10-07.

Required disclosures

For general information only. This website shares public data and general information about child care providers. It does not offer professional advice, and it cannot replace a visit to a provider, a review of public licensing records, or a conversation with the people you trust.

Independent and unaffiliated. DaycareFacilities.org is a private, independently run directory. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed or operated by, any government agency, child care licensing authority, or child care provider. Government agencies have not reviewed or endorsed this site.

Confirm details before acting. Provider records come from public datasets and may lag or contain errors. Always verify current licensing status, hours, availability, capacity, and costs directly with the provider and with your state or territory licensing agency.

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