McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 2002.1

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Characteristics:

• Organized and administered by parents, who set policy, program goals, hire director or head teacher, and manage finances.
• Parents often assist in the classroom for a designated period of time.
• May be full- or part-time program.
• Most serve preschool-age children.

Advantages:

• Usually has planned, formal program of activities.
• More control can be exerted over your child's care than in other center-based care.
• Costs are less.
• Your child receives the stimulation of other children.
• Care is likely to be reliably available.

Disadvantages:

• May be difficult to ensure ongoing commitment from all parents.
• Possible differences of opinion over organization and administration.
• Time-consuming.