Types of Child Care

There are two main types of child care in Weld County: Centers and Home Providers.

 

Centers

Child Care Center Centers operate in non-residential, commercial facilities providing quality child care that is licensed and closely monitored, regulated and supported by the state of Colorado. Centers typically offer half-day or full-day options and often have activities planned ahead of each week, and sometimes occasional outings. They provide more structured learning opportunities and social interactions and typically have larger numbers of children in attendance, sometimes grouped by age, with multiple staff members providing care. Centers can contract with the Weld County Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide care for children of parents receiving financial support (Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, or CCCAP).

 

Home Providers

Come Child Care Provider Home Providers offer child care either in their own home or in the home of the child they are caring for. Due to the much smaller provider-to-child ratios in this type of care, children tend to receive more individualized one-on-one attention. Home Providers may be less expensive than Centers and may be more conveniently located in your neighborhood. The familiar "home-away-from-home" setting may also help children transition more easily into child care, particularly those with shy behaviors or attachment issues. Home Providers may offer more schedule flexibility, as they are more likely to offer evening, weekend and odd hour care. In Weld County, there are three types of Home Providers: Licensed Home Providers, REACH Providers and FFN Providers.

Licensed Home Providers: Licensed Home Providers are required by Colorado State Law to obtain a license if they care for children from more than four families. These providers offer child care in their own home and can contract with the Weld County Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide care for children of parents receiving financial support (Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, or CCCAP).

REACH Providers: REACH (Realizing Economic Advancement through Caring Homes) Providers can offer child care either in their own residence or in a family's home. These professional providers care for children who are related to them or may care for up to four non-related children and are exempt from licensure. REACH Providers contract with DHS to provide care for children of parents receiving financial support (CCCAP).

FFN Providers: FFN (Family, Friend and Neighbor) Providers offer child care for family members, friends or neighbors in their own home or other’s homes. FFN Providers are not contracted with DHS or licensed with the state and are not able to be reimbursed for providing care for children of families receiving financial assistance (CCCAP). This form of child care is often a stepping stone to becoming contracted with DHS or working towards licensure.