Small Family Child Care Homes: This type of child care takes place in the home of another person, caring for as many as four (4) children. Homes are certified by DES and have a 1:4 staff/child ratio.

DES Relative Caregiver: According to DES, "families are also able to select certain relatives to provide child care. DES reimbursement is available once the relative caregiver is fingerprinted and enters into a financial agreement with DES...." Further information is available here.

Child Care Group Homes: This type of child care takes place in the home of another person caring for up to ten (10) children for compensation. Homes are certified by DHS and have a 1:5 staff/child ratio.

Child Care Centers: This type of child care takes place in a center-based facility and serves larger groups of children. A center may use descriptions such as "preschool, school or nursery school and early childhood center." Staff to child ratios vary according to the age group and are referenced in the following matrix. Child care centers are licensed by DHS. Exceptions include centers that are located on military bases and tribal lands, where parents are on the premises (such as health clubs) and where children are free to come and go.

Click here for state standards and accreditation standards.