Lesson 3: Preschool/Childcare options

Why are more families choosing early childhood programs than ever before?

What do you think are the most important factors for parents when choosing a preschool for their children?

Family Childcare / Home Daycare – Small group care in a provider’s home.

Childcare Centers / Preschools – Licensed facilities offering structured programs.

Head Start Programs – Federally funded programs for children from low-income families.

Parent Cooperatives (Co-op Preschools) – Parents actively participate in running the school.

Laboratory Preschools – Affiliated with colleges/universities for research and teacher training.

Montessori Schools – Child-centered approach focusing on independence and hands-on learning.

Reggio Emilia Schools – Emphasizes exploration, creativity, and project-based learning.

Private / Independent Preschools – Privately funded, often with unique educational philosophies.

Faith-Based Preschools – Programs run by religious organizations incorporating faith teachings.

Nature or Forest Schools – Outdoor-based learning focused on exploration and nature.

Early Intervention / Special Needs Programs – Programs for children with developmental delays or disabilities.

Head Start / Early Head Start – Programs supporting early learning and family services for low-income children (note: Early Head Start is for infants and toddlers).

Public School Preschool Programs – Offered by school districts, often tuition-based or free for eligible families.

L. Safe and Healthy Learning Environment: Plan a safe and healthy learning environment for children.

Types of Preschools: Understanding the different types, such as family daycare, childcare centers, and Montessori programs.
Benefits and Drawbacks: Analyzing the pros and cons of each preschool option.

Target Audience: Identifying which preschool options may be best suited for different family needs and circumstances.

Regulatory Standards: Understanding the licensing and regulatory requirements for each type of preschool.

Some students may believe that all preschools offer the same quality of education and care, which is not true.

Flexible grouping


Choice boards


Tiered assignments


Graphic organizers


Think-Pair-Share


Hands-on activities


Student choice in products

• Graphic Organizer – Pros and Cons: Students will create a chart listing the pros and cons of each preschool type discussed, helping them compare programs.

• Brochure Project: Students will design a brochure for one preschool type, highlighting its key features and benefits for families.

• Present key points using a slide show that outlines each preschool type with visuals and statistics.
• Facilitate a class discussion and encourage students to share any experiences they have with different preschool options.