Intro To Early Childhood Program

Are you expecting, have you recently given birth, or are you the parent of a child under 5? Caring for a young child is no easy feat, and it comes with numerous questions. As a parent, you spend endless time making decisions on various topics, from the best diapers to choosing pediatricians and even who will take care of your child. If you have the ability to be a stay-at-home parent, a close relative or friend to watch your child, or the option to hire a nanny or babysitter, I welcome you to any information here that might benefit you and your family. However, this blog is for any parent(s) or guardian(s) facing the task of enrolling their child in an early childhood program. Whether your child is 6 weeks old or 4 years old, where you send them can bring about a range of emotions. With many different early childhood programs available, such as Early Head Start, Head Start, Child Care, and Family Child Care, each offering various services at different costs, the decision can be overwhelming.

This blog series does not aim to praise one program over another but rather to answer unknown questions and provide guidance on inquiries you may not even know to ask. Whether this is your first experience or you are searching for a different program, I hope the information shared here will help make your decision a little easier. When done right, the early childhood program you choose can have a lasting impact on your child and family.

***P.S. I do not refer to early childhood programs as daycare. Daycare often carries negative connotations (and for a good reason); however, not all child care or early childhood programs are bad. Instead of focusing on the negative, I highlight the positive impact of early childhood programs.