Types of Child Care

Child Care Centers:  Child care centers include day care centers, preschools, nursery schools, before and after school programs, and Head Start programs.  Centers need a license.

Group Day Care Homes:  Homes in which two or more adults provide care for up    to 12 children.  These homes require a license.

Family Day Care Homes:  Homes where an adult cares for one to six children.  Family homes must be registered.

Relative Care Provider:  A child's grandparent/step-grandparent, great grandparent/step-great grandparent, aunt/step-aunt, uncle/step uncle, or adult brother/step-brother or sister/step-sister who provides care in their home and does not live with the child.  Relative providers must be at least 18 years old and enrolled with the Department of Human Services (DHS) Agency to receive child care payments from the State.

Day Care Aid:  A person you employ to care for your child(ren) in your home.  Aides must be at least 16 years old and enrolled with DHS to receive child care payments from the state.