Alternative Child Day Care Programs

Special-Needs Programs

• Although you can choose to mainstream your special-needs child into a traditional preschool or day care, alternative programs offer options that specifically focus on helping kids with disabilities. These alternative programs provide early intervention services such as speech, physical or behavioral therapy. They also may have specialized equipment to help your child maintain mobility, as well as trained staff members who understand your child's special needs. For example, the Early Learning Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, provides kids ages 18-months to 5-years with full-service child care -- along with early intervention services -- that includes a curriculum packed with computers, art, science and more.

Alternative-Educational Philosophies

• If you are looking for a not-so-traditional child care program, some preschools focus on alternative educational philosophies that differ than the standard circle time and finger-painting options. Waldorf preschools provide a more artistic, child-centered approach to learning. Children in the Waldorf program connect to nature, create crafts and participate in real-world activities such as cooking or gardening. Montessori preschools group kids in multi-age classrooms -- such as 3- through 6-year-olds -- and center on helping the children to learn through all of their senses. Activities are child-led, and the teachers typically allow the students to choose what interests them. For example, if your child is showing enthusiasm during block building, the teacher may use these manipulatives to help your little learner understand math concepts such as shape.

Alternative Payment

• Families that can't afford child care don't need to forgo sending the kids to an early education environment. Alternative payment programs offer parents the chance to enroll their young children in day care at a reduced, or sometimes no, cost. These programs are often offered in conjunction with a traditional child care program. For example, the Riverside County Office of Education in California has an alternative payment program for families that meet the low-income criteria. Families that qualify can use this program to place their children in licensed child care centers or licensed family care homes. Unlicensed centers do not qualify for this state-funded program.

Home Care

• Instead of placing your child in a traditional day care center, a family home provides an alternative, non-school setting. Family homes are typically licensed by the state or local child care, educational or child welfare agency. According to the U.S. Office of Child Care, these types of child care centers are located within family homes or residences and often enroll a far smaller number of kids than a school-based type of arrangement. These alternative child care centers may provide you with a greater range of supervision hours than a traditional center as well as a more relaxed and, clearly, homelike environment.