Glossary
Plain-language definitions for every term you will encounter. Browse by letter or filter by category.
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A
Accreditation
A voluntary process where a childcare program meets quality standards set by a recognized accrediting body.
Quality StandardsASQ
Ages and Stages Questionnaire is a screening tool parents complete to track child development milestones.
Quality StandardsAllergy Action Plan
A written document from a doctor listing a child's allergies, symptoms, and emergency treatment steps.
Health & SafetyAssessment
An ongoing process of observing and documenting a child's learning and development over time.
Quality StandardsAnecdotal Record
A brief written note describing a specific behavior or event observed during a child's day.
Quality StandardsADA
Americans with Disabilities Act requires childcare programs to make reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities.
LicensingAssistant Teacher
A support staff member who helps the lead teacher with classroom activities and child supervision.
StaffingAccident Report
A form documenting how a child was injured, what treatment was given, and steps taken to prevent recurrence.
LicensingAnti-Bias Education
Teaching practices that help children understand and respect differences in race, culture, and ability.
CurriculumAlphabet Knowledge
A child's ability to recognize and name letters, an important pre-reading skill developed in preschool.
CurriculumArt Area
A designated space with open-ended art materials where children create freely without adult-directed models.
CurriculumAttachment
The emotional bond between a child and caregiver that forms the foundation for healthy social development.
CurriculumAuthorized Pick-Up
A person listed on a child's enrollment form who is approved to collect the child from childcare.
EnrollmentAttendance
The daily record of which children are present, used for licensing, billing, and emergency head counts.
LicensingAfter-School Program
A supervised program providing activities and homework help for school-age children until parents finish work.
EnrollmentASQ-SE
Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional screens for social and emotional development in young children.
Quality StandardsAu Pair
A young person from another country who lives with a host family and provides childcare in exchange for room and board.
LicensingAED
Automated External Defibrillator is a device some childcare programs keep on site for cardiac emergencies.
Health & SafetyActive Supervision
A strategy requiring staff to position themselves, scan, and move to watch all children at all times.
LicensingAccreditation Visit
An on-site review by an accrediting body to verify a childcare program meets its quality standards.
Quality StandardsB
Background Check
A criminal history screening required for all adults working in or living in a licensed childcare setting.
LicensingBehavior Management
Techniques teachers use to support children in learning self-control and following classroom expectations.
CurriculumBiting Policy
A program's written plan for responding to biting incidents among toddlers, including documentation and prevention.
Health & SafetyBlock Play
Building activities with blocks that develop spatial reasoning, math concepts, and cooperative skills.
CurriculumBank Street
A developmental-interaction approach that integrates social studies with hands-on, child-centered learning.
CurriculumBabysitter
A person who provides occasional, short-term childcare, typically not subject to licensing requirements.
LicensingBackup Care
Emergency childcare services available when a family's regular childcare arrangement falls through.
EnrollmentBack-to-Sleep
A campaign promoting placing infants on their backs to sleep, which significantly reduces SIDS risk.
Health & SafetyBreast Milk Storage
Guidelines for safely labeling, storing, and warming breast milk provided by parents for infants in care.
Health & SafetyBusiness Plan
A document outlining a childcare program's budget, enrollment projections, and operational strategy.
LicensingC
CDA
Child Development Associate is a nationally recognized credential for early childhood educators.
StaffingCCDF
Child Care and Development Fund is the federal funding source for childcare subsidies for low-income families.
EnrollmentCCDBG
Child Care and Development Block Grant is the federal law authorizing childcare assistance programs.
EnrollmentCo-Payment
The portion of childcare costs a family must pay when receiving a government subsidy.
EnrollmentCurriculum
A structured plan of learning activities and goals used to guide teaching in a childcare program.
CurriculumCreative Curriculum
A comprehensive early childhood curriculum framework organized around interest areas and learning objectives.
CurriculumCenter-Based Care
Childcare provided in a commercial facility designed specifically for group care of children.
LicensingChild Care Tax Credit
A federal tax credit that offsets a portion of childcare costs for working parents.
EnrollmentCompliance
A childcare program's adherence to all applicable state licensing regulations and standards.
LicensingCorrective Action
Steps a childcare provider must take to fix licensing violations found during an inspection.
LicensingCPR Certification
Training certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation required for childcare staff to handle emergencies.
StaffingCommunicable Disease
An illness that can spread between children in group care, requiring exclusion and notification procedures.
Health & SafetyCACFP
Child and Adult Care Food Program reimburses childcare providers for serving nutritious meals and snacks.
Health & SafetyCPSC
Consumer Product Safety Commission sets safety guidelines for playground equipment and children's products.
Health & SafetyCrib Standards
Federal safety requirements for cribs used in childcare, including slat spacing and mattress fit.
Health & SafetyCircle Time
A group activity where children gather for songs, stories, calendar, and teacher-led discussion.
CurriculumClock Hours
Units of measurement for tracking professional development time completed by childcare workers.
StaffingCLASS
Classroom Assessment Scoring System measures the quality of teacher-child interactions in a classroom.
Quality StandardsCultural Competence
A program's ability to serve families from diverse backgrounds with respect and understanding.
Quality StandardsClassroom Environment
The physical layout, materials, and atmosphere of a childcare room designed to support learning and comfort.
Quality StandardsContinuity of Care
A practice where the same caregiver stays with a group of children for an extended period to build bonds.
Quality StandardsCapacity
The maximum number of children a licensed childcare facility is approved to serve at one time.
LicensingCorporal Punishment
Physical discipline such as hitting or spanking, which is prohibited in all licensed childcare settings.
LicensingChild Protective Services
A government agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect and provides family support.
LicensingChild-to-Staff Ratio
An alternate way to express the number of children each caregiver is responsible for supervising.
StaffingCognitive Development
The growth of thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning abilities in children from birth through age eight.
CurriculumChild Care Resource and Referral
A local agency that helps families find childcare and provides training and support to childcare providers.
EnrollmentChild Care Aware
A national organization that connects families with local childcare resources and advocates for quality.
Quality StandardsCooperative Preschool
A preschool where parents share teaching duties and management responsibilities alongside professional staff.
EnrollmentCar Seat
A child restraint device required by law when transporting children in vehicles, including childcare vans.
Health & SafetyConfidentiality
The requirement that a childcare program protects private information about children and their families.
LicensingChoking Hazard
Small objects or foods that can block a young child's airway, which must be kept out of reach in childcare.
Health & SafetyCooperative Play
A play stage where children work together toward a shared goal, typically emerging around age four.
CurriculumChild Care Desert
A geographic area where the supply of licensed childcare is far below the demand from local families.
EnrollmentContinuous Improvement
An ongoing cycle of assessing, planning, and refining practices to raise childcare program quality.
Quality StandardsCoaching
One-on-one support from a specialist who observes a teacher and provides feedback to improve practice.
StaffingChildcare Management Software
Digital tools programs use for attendance tracking, billing, parent communication, and record keeping.
Quality StandardsCleaning and Sanitation
Required procedures for disinfecting surfaces, toys, and equipment in childcare to prevent illness.
Health & SafetyConflict Resolution
Teaching children to solve disagreements with words and problem-solving instead of physical actions.
CurriculumD
DAP
Developmentally Appropriate Practice aligns teaching methods with the age and abilities of each child.
CurriculumDevelopmental Screening
A brief assessment to identify children who may need further evaluation for developmental delays.
Quality StandardsDrop-In Care
Childcare offered on a flexible, as-needed basis without a fixed weekly schedule or contract.
EnrollmentDependent Care FSA
A pre-tax employer benefit account used to pay for eligible childcare expenses up to federal limits.
EnrollmentDiapering Procedure
A step-by-step sanitation process staff must follow when changing diapers to prevent contamination.
Health & SafetyDaily Schedule
A consistent routine of activities including meals, play, learning, and rest posted in each classroom.
CurriculumDirector
The administrator who manages daily operations, staff, licensing, and finances of a childcare program.
StaffingDirector Credential
A state-issued qualification required for individuals who manage or direct a childcare program.
StaffingDocumentation
The practice of recording children's learning through photos, writing samples, and teacher observations.
Quality StandardsDual Language Learner
A child who is learning two or more languages at the same time during early childhood.
CurriculumDialogic Reading
An interactive read-aloud technique where the teacher asks open-ended questions to engage children with the book.
CurriculumDramatic Play
A classroom area where children use costumes and props to role-play real-life and imaginary scenarios.
CurriculumDrop-Off
The daily arrival routine when a parent brings a child to the childcare program and transfers care.
EnrollmentDiscipline Policy
A program's written rules about how staff guide children's behavior, prohibiting corporal punishment.
Quality StandardsDevelopmental Milestones
Key skills most children reach by a certain age, used to track healthy growth and identify delays.
Quality StandardsDaily Report
A written summary of a child's day including meals, naps, activities, and any notable events shared with parents.
Quality StandardsE
ECE
Early Childhood Education covers teaching and care practices for children from birth through age eight.
StaffingExclusion Policy
Rules that determine when a sick child must stay home from childcare to prevent spreading illness.
Health & SafetyEarly Head Start
A federal program serving pregnant women and low-income families with infants and toddlers up to age three.
EnrollmentEnrollment
The process of registering a child for a childcare program, including paperwork and fee payment.
EnrollmentEmergency Plan
A written document detailing procedures for fire, weather, lockdown, and other emergencies at a childcare site.
Health & SafetyEvacuation
The process of safely moving all children and staff out of a building during an emergency.
Health & SafetyEpiPen
An auto-injector device used to deliver emergency epinephrine to a child having a severe allergic reaction.
Health & SafetyEarly Intervention
Services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, provided under Part C of the IDEA.
EnrollmentERS
Environment Rating Scales are tools that measure the overall quality of a childcare classroom environment.
Quality StandardsECERS
Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale measures quality in preschool and kindergarten classrooms.
Quality StandardsEmergent Curriculum
A teaching approach where lesson plans grow from children's interests and questions rather than a fixed plan.
CurriculumEmergency Contact
A person designated by the family to be called if the parents cannot be reached during an emergency.
EnrollmentExecutive Function
Brain skills including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control that develop in early childhood.
CurriculumEmployer-Sponsored Care
Childcare provided or subsidized by an employer as a workplace benefit for employees with children.
EnrollmentExtended Hours
Childcare offered outside standard business hours, including early morning, evening, or weekend care.
EnrollmentF
Family Childcare
Childcare provided in a caregiver's own home, typically for a small mixed-age group of children.
LicensingFire Inspection
A review by the fire department verifying a childcare facility meets fire safety codes before licensing.
LicensingFire Drill
A required practice evacuation conducted monthly to prepare children and staff for fire emergencies.
Health & SafetyFirst Aid Kit
A required supply of medical items kept accessible at a childcare facility for treating minor injuries.
Health & SafetyFirst Aid Training
Required training for childcare workers covering wound care, choking response, and basic emergency treatment.
StaffingFood Allergy
A child's immune reaction to specific foods that must be documented and managed in childcare settings.
Health & SafetyFine Motor Skills
Small hand and finger movements like drawing, cutting, and stacking that develop through practice.
CurriculumFamily Engagement
Strategies a childcare program uses to build partnerships with families and involve them in their child's learning.
Quality StandardsFCCERS
Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale measures quality specifically in home-based childcare settings.
Quality StandardsFingerprinting
A biometric screening required as part of background checks for childcare staff in most states.
LicensingForest School
A program where children spend most of the day outdoors in natural settings regardless of weather.
CurriculumFull-Time Care
A childcare schedule of five full days per week, typically covering standard work hours.
EnrollmentFeeding Plan
A document outlining an infant's feeding schedule, formula type, breast milk handling, and food introduction.
Health & SafetyField Trip
An off-site outing organized by the childcare program that requires parent permission and extra supervision.
CurriculumFloating Staff
Employees who move between classrooms as needed to cover breaks and maintain required staff-to-child ratios.
StaffingFamily Survey
A questionnaire given to parents to gather feedback on their satisfaction with the childcare program.
Quality StandardsFree Play
Unstructured time when children choose their own activities and play partners in the classroom.
CurriculumG
H
HighScope
A research-based curriculum using a plan-do-review cycle where children direct their own learning.
CurriculumHead Start
A federally funded program providing free preschool and family services to low-income children.
EnrollmentHealth Inspection
A review of a childcare facility's sanitation, food handling, and hygiene practices by a health agency.
Health & SafetyHealth Records
Documentation of a child's immunizations, physicals, and medical conditions required for enrollment.
Health & SafetyHand Washing
A required hygiene practice for children and staff at key times to prevent the spread of germs.
Health & SafetyHome Language
The primary language spoken in a child's family, which programs should respect and support.
CurriculumHead Count
A physical count of children conducted regularly throughout the day to ensure all are accounted for.
LicensingI
IFSP
Individualized Family Service Plan outlines early intervention services for infants and toddlers with delays.
EnrollmentIEP
Individualized Education Program is a plan for special education services for children ages three and older.
EnrollmentInclusion
The practice of serving children with disabilities alongside typically developing peers in the same setting.
CurriculumImmunization
Vaccines required by state law before a child can enroll in a licensed childcare program.
Health & SafetyInfant Care
Childcare services specifically designed for babies from birth to around 12 months of age.
EnrollmentIDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is the federal law guaranteeing special education services for children.
EnrollmentITERS
Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale measures the quality of care settings for children under three.
Quality StandardsIncident Report
A written record of an injury, illness, or unusual event involving a child that must be shared with parents.
LicensingInfant Classroom
A room designed specifically for babies with cribs, soft surfaces, and a low staff-to-child ratio.
LicensingInsect Repellent Policy
Rules about using bug spray on children at childcare, typically requiring parent authorization and safe products.
Health & SafetyIPM
Integrated Pest Management uses prevention and low-toxicity methods to control pests in childcare settings.
Health & SafetyIndividualized Learning
Adapting activities and goals to match each child's unique developmental level and interests.
CurriculumK
L
Licensed Center
A childcare facility that meets state licensing requirements for safety, staffing, and operations.
LicensingLicensed Home
A family childcare home that holds a state license to care for a small group of children.
LicensingLicense-Exempt
Childcare arrangements not required to hold a state license, such as care by relatives or religious programs.
LicensingLicensing Inspection
An official visit by a state agency to verify a childcare program meets health, safety, and staffing rules.
LicensingLockdown
A security procedure where all doors are locked and children are kept inside during a threat.
Health & SafetyLearning Centers
Designated areas in a classroom set up for specific activities like art, blocks, dramatic play, or reading.
CurriculumLesson Plan
A written outline of learning activities and goals a teacher prepares for a specific time period.
CurriculumLead Teacher
The primary educator in a classroom responsible for planning, teaching, and supervising assistant staff.
StaffingLiteracy
Early reading and writing skills developed through read-alouds, letter play, and print-rich environments.
CurriculumLead Testing
An inspection of a childcare facility for lead paint or lead in water, required in older buildings.
Health & SafetyLanguage Development
The process by which children learn to understand and produce spoken language from birth onward.
CurriculumLicensing Waiver
A temporary exception granted by the state allowing a childcare program to operate outside a specific rule.
LicensingLate Pick-Up Fee
A charge assessed when a parent picks up a child after the program's posted closing time.
EnrollmentLoose Parts
Open-ended materials like sticks, shells, and fabric children use creatively in self-directed play.
CurriculumLarge Group
A whole-class activity like circle time, music, or movement involving all children and teachers together.
CurriculumLiability Insurance
Insurance a childcare provider carries to cover claims of injury or damage involving children in care.
LicensingM
Montessori
An educational approach using self-directed activities, hands-on materials, and mixed-age classrooms.
CurriculumMandated Reporter
A person legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to authorities.
LicensingMedication Administration
The policy and procedure for giving prescription or over-the-counter medicine to a child in care.
Health & SafetyManipulatives
Small hands-on materials like blocks, beads, and puzzles used to build fine motor and thinking skills.
CurriculumMixed-Age Group
A classroom where children of different ages learn together, common in Montessori and family childcare.
CurriculumMarket Rate
The typical price charged for childcare in a local area, used by states to set subsidy payment levels.
EnrollmentMentor Teacher
An experienced educator who coaches and supports newer teachers in improving their classroom practices.
StaffingMorning Meeting
A daily group gathering at the start of the day for greetings, sharing, and setting the day's plan.
CurriculumMusic and Movement
Activities combining songs, rhythm, and dancing to develop coordination, language, and listening skills.
CurriculumN
NAEYC
National Association for the Education of Young Children sets standards and accredits early childhood programs.
Quality StandardsNAFCC
National Association for Family Child Care accredits home-based childcare providers meeting quality benchmarks.
Quality StandardsNutrition Policy
Guidelines for meals and snacks served at a childcare facility, meeting USDA or state nutrition standards.
Health & SafetyNap Time
A scheduled rest period during the day required by licensing for young children in full-day care.
Health & SafetyNature-Based Learning
An educational approach that uses the natural environment as the primary setting for children's learning.
CurriculumNanny
A caregiver hired by a family to provide childcare in the family's own home, often license-exempt.
LicensingNon-Traditional Hours
Childcare available during evenings, nights, or weekends to serve families working outside 9-to-5 schedules.
EnrollmentNumber Sense
A child's understanding of quantities, counting, and basic number relationships developed through hands-on activities.
CurriculumO
Outdoor Play
Required daily time for children to engage in physical activity outside, weather permitting.
CurriculumObservation
The practice of watching and recording a child's behavior and learning to inform teaching decisions.
Quality StandardsOpen-Door Policy
A policy allowing parents to visit and observe their child's classroom at any time without prior notice.
Quality StandardsOutdoor Classroom
A nature-based learning space where children explore science, art, and movement in an outdoor setting.
CurriculumOutdoor Play Space
A fenced outdoor area with age-appropriate equipment required by licensing for daily physical activity.
LicensingOrientation
An introductory session for new families to learn about a program's routines, policies, and expectations.
EnrollmentOnboarding
The process of training and orienting a new employee to a childcare program's policies and procedures.
StaffingP
Primary Caregiver
The lead adult assigned to a specific group of children to build consistent relationships.
StaffingPlay-Based Learning
An approach where children learn through structured and unstructured play guided by educators.
CurriculumPre-K
A publicly funded preschool program for four-year-olds, sometimes three-year-olds, before kindergarten.
EnrollmentProvisional License
A temporary license issued to a new childcare program while it works toward full licensing approval.
LicensingPhysical Exam
A doctor's checkup required before a child enrolls, confirming the child is healthy enough for group care.
Health & SafetyPlayground Safety
Standards for equipment height, surfacing, spacing, and maintenance to prevent injuries during outdoor play.
Health & SafetyPortfolio
A collection of a child's work samples, photos, and observations used to track development progress.
Quality StandardsParent-Teacher Conference
A scheduled meeting between a child's family and teacher to discuss development and learning progress.
Quality StandardsProfessional Development
Ongoing training and education required for childcare staff to maintain credentials and improve skills.
StaffingPyramid Model
A framework for promoting social-emotional development and preventing challenging behavior in young children.
CurriculumPositive Guidance
Discipline strategies that teach children appropriate behavior using encouragement rather than punishment.
CurriculumProject Approach
An in-depth study of a topic chosen by children, explored through research, discussion, and hands-on work.
CurriculumPhonemic Awareness
The ability to hear and work with individual sounds in spoken words, a foundation for reading.
CurriculumPrint-Rich Environment
A classroom filled with labels, signs, books, and written materials that expose children to text daily.
CurriculumProcess Art
Art activities focused on the creative experience rather than producing a specific finished product.
CurriculumPick-Up
The daily departure routine when an authorized person collects a child from the childcare program.
EnrollmentPreschool
A program for children ages three to five that focuses on learning and socialization before kindergarten.
EnrollmentParent Handbook
A written guide given to families that outlines a childcare program's policies, fees, and procedures.
Quality StandardsPart-Time Care
A childcare schedule of fewer than five full days per week, often two or three days.
EnrollmentPreschool Classroom
A room for children ages three to five with learning centers, art supplies, and pre-reading materials.
LicensingPermission Slip
A signed form from a parent authorizing a child to participate in a specific activity or field trip.
EnrollmentPhoto Release
A signed form granting or denying permission for a program to photograph or video a child.
EnrollmentPest Management
A plan for controlling insects and rodents in a childcare facility using child-safe methods.
Health & SafetyParallel Play
A stage where toddlers play side by side with similar materials but without directly interacting.
CurriculumPotty Training
The process of teaching a toddler to use the toilet, coordinated between childcare staff and parents.
Health & SafetyProgram Administrator
A professional responsible for managing operations, staff, and compliance at a childcare organization.
StaffingPretend Play
Imaginative play where children act out roles and scenarios, building language and social skills.
CurriculumQ
R
Reggio Emilia
An educational philosophy treating children as capable learners who explore through projects and collaboration.
CurriculumRegistration Fee
A one-time charge paid when enrolling a child in a childcare program to secure a spot.
EnrollmentRetention
Strategies a childcare program uses to keep qualified staff, such as better pay and working conditions.
StaffingRead-Aloud
A practice where a teacher reads books to children, building vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of reading.
CurriculumReferral
The process of connecting a family with specialists when a screening suggests a child may need further evaluation.
Quality StandardsRecall
A manufacturer's notice that a product used in childcare has been found unsafe and must be removed.
Health & SafetyRadon Testing
A test for radon gas levels in a childcare facility, sometimes required before licensing approval.
Health & SafetyReturn-to-Care Policy
Rules specifying when a child who has been sick may return to childcare, often requiring 24 hours symptom-free.
Health & SafetyRatio Compliance
Meeting the state-required number of staff per group of children during all hours of operation.
LicensingS
Subsidy
Government financial assistance that helps eligible families pay for childcare services.
EnrollmentStaff-to-Child Ratio
The required number of caregivers per group of children, set by state licensing rules.
StaffingSocial-Emotional Learning
Teaching children skills like self-regulation, empathy, and relationship-building through daily activities.
CurriculumSafe Sleep
Guidelines requiring infants to sleep alone, on their backs, in an approved crib with no loose items.
Health & SafetySIDS
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is the unexplained death of an infant during sleep, reduced by safe sleep practices.
Health & SafetySupervision
The requirement that caregivers maintain visual and auditory awareness of all children at all times.
LicensingSchool-Age Care
Before-school and after-school programs for children in kindergarten through early teens.
EnrollmentSliding Fee Scale
A pricing structure that adjusts childcare fees based on a family's income level.
EnrollmentShelter-in-Place
An emergency response where children remain indoors in a safe area during a weather or hazard event.
Health & SafetySubstitute
A temporary caregiver who fills in for regular staff during absences to maintain required ratios.
StaffingStaffing Plan
A schedule showing how a program maintains required staff-to-child ratios throughout the operating day.
StaffingScaffolding
A teaching strategy where adults provide just enough support to help a child learn a new skill.
CurriculumSTEAM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math activities integrated into early childhood learning.
CurriculumSTEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math concepts taught through age-appropriate exploration and play.
CurriculumSensory Play
Activities using materials like sand, water, and playdough that stimulate children's senses and motor skills.
CurriculumSeparation Anxiety
A child's distress when separating from a parent, common during childcare drop-off and eased with routines.
CurriculumSign-In Sheet
A daily attendance record where parents document the exact time a child arrives and departs the program.
LicensingSummer Camp
A seasonal program offering activities and supervision for children during summer school breaks.
EnrollmentSelf-Regulation
A child's ability to manage emotions, behavior, and attention, developed through practice and adult support.
CurriculumSquare Footage
The minimum indoor space per child required by licensing regulations, usually 35 square feet per child.
LicensingSunscreen Policy
A program's rules about applying sunscreen to children during outdoor play, requiring written parent permission.
Health & SafetySEL Framework
A structured approach for teaching social and emotional skills such as empathy, cooperation, and self-awareness.
CurriculumSocial Development
A child's growing ability to interact with others, share, take turns, and form friendships.
CurriculumSubsidy Voucher
A certificate given to eligible families that can be used to pay for childcare at approved providers.
EnrollmentStaggered Schedule
A staffing approach where employees start and end at different times to cover the full operating day.
StaffingSelf-Study
A program's internal review of its own practices as the first step in the accreditation process.
Quality StandardsSibling Discount
A reduced rate offered to families enrolling more than one child in the same childcare program.
EnrollmentScholarship
Financial aid from a childcare program or outside organization to reduce tuition for qualifying families.
EnrollmentSensory Table
A classroom table filled with materials like sand, water, or rice for tactile exploration and play.
CurriculumSmall Group
A teacher-led activity with a few children allowing focused instruction and individual attention.
CurriculumStaff Meeting
A regular gathering of childcare employees to discuss policies, children's needs, and program improvements.
StaffingT
Toddler Care
Childcare services designed for children ages one to three, focusing on mobility and language growth.
EnrollmentTuition
The regular fee a family pays for childcare services, usually billed weekly or monthly.
EnrollmentToileting
The process of helping toddlers learn to use the toilet, supported by consistent routines in childcare.
Health & SafetyTransition
The process of moving a child between classrooms, age groups, or from childcare to kindergarten.
CurriculumTraining Hours
The annual number of professional development hours required by state licensing for childcare staff.
StaffingTurnover
The rate at which childcare workers leave their positions, affecting program quality and child relationships.
StaffingT.E.A.C.H.
A scholarship program helping childcare workers earn college degrees in early childhood education.
StaffingTools of the Mind
A curriculum based on Vygotsky's theories that builds self-regulation through structured dramatic play.
CurriculumToddler Classroom
A room set up for children ages one to three with active play spaces and child-height furniture.
LicensingTransition Plan
A written strategy for helping a child adjust when moving between classrooms or to a new school.
CurriculumTummy Time
Supervised time when an awake infant is placed on their stomach to build neck and upper body strength.
Health & SafetyTransportation
Vehicle use by a childcare program to move children, subject to car seat laws and driver background checks.
LicensingTechnical Assistance
Expert guidance and coaching provided to childcare programs to help them meet quality standards.
Quality StandardsTrial Period
A short initial enrollment period allowing a child and family to adjust before committing long-term.
EnrollmentTeacher Planning Time
Paid time set aside for teachers to prepare lessons, assess children, and meet with families or colleagues.
StaffingU
V
W
Waitlist
A list of families waiting for an opening at a childcare program that is currently at full capacity.
EnrollmentWages
The pay childcare workers receive, which is often low compared to other professions requiring similar education.
StaffingWaldorf
An educational philosophy emphasizing imagination, rhythm, and natural materials in early childhood settings.
CurriculumWading Pool
A shallow pool that requires constant supervision, fencing, and specific licensing approval for childcare use.
Health & SafetyWater Safety
Rules governing children's access to any water source, requiring constant adult supervision to prevent drowning.
Health & SafetyWorkers' Compensation
Insurance coverage required for childcare programs to cover employee injuries that occur on the job.
Staffing