Types of Child Care
There are a few different ways to provide child care:
- There are New Jersey-licensed child care centers;
- There are New Jersey-registered family child care homes;
- And there is care without state oversight, that is provided either in someone else's home, or by a provider coming to your home.
Child Care Centers
The state considers any facility that cares for six or more children under the age of 13 a child care center. Often the children are grouped in programs according to their age. Some centers will mix age groups together to simulate a family setting.
Family Child Care
New Jersey regulations limit home-based child care to no more than five day care children and a maximum of three children who live in the home. The maximum number of children a provider can care for in a family child care home is eight.
In-Home Care
In this type of care, a person comes to your home to care for your child. This provider might offer other services such as light housekeeping, starting or making dinner, or driving your child to lessons or play dates. Although you may use an agency to find such a provider, providers are neither regulated nor licensed by the state. The questions and tips in this booklet can help you choose a quality provider in this situation.
Head Start
Head Start offers free preschool for children ages 3 to 5 years old. We provide services in Education, Health, Nutrition and Family Services. Plus, we have qualified staff to work with children who have special needs. Head Start provides activities that promote reading and writing readiness skills.
Head Start's hours of operations are from 8am to 3:30pm. Extended hours are available from 7:30 to 5:30. There are 22 centers throughout Camden County.
Breakfast, lunch and snack are served daily.
Head Start staff can also assist you in making arrangements to receive medical insurance, housing, weatherization and mental health services, to name a few.
For additional information call or visit one of our local centers, or our main office at 500 Pine St., Camden, NJ 08103. (856) 964-2100.