Types of Child Care

Total records: 31 center based care facilities
Total records: 78 family child care homes
Total records: 9 preschool programs
Total records: 12 small facilities
Total records: 57 legal exempt
Total records: 12 Head Start

Child Care Centers:Facilities where 13 or more children ages 6 weeks to 13 years may be cared for on a regular or part-time basis. These facilities are required to be licensed by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and must meet minimum requirements concerning health and safety. Centers are subject to biannual inspections by a State Fire Marshal as well as annual review by the DHHS Licensing Unit.

Certified Family Child Care Homes: - Facilities in which 3 to 12 children, not related to the care giver, ages 6 weeks to 13 years may receive regular or part-time care. They must meet minimum health and safety requirements, and are inspected bi-annually by a State Fire Marshal and annually by a DHHS Licensing Worker.

Legal, Unlicensed Family Child Care: Homes in which only one or two children, not related to the care giver, are cared for without a license.

School-Age Care: Care provided for children ages 5-16 during non-school hours. It is available in a variety of settings: schools, community centers, Y’s, religious organizations, child care centers, and family day care homes. These programs must comply with DHHS regulations.

Nursery Schools: Facilities for 3 or more children under the age of 7 that provide half-day care, not including Kindergarten programs. Parents often combine these programs with other types of child care to create a full-day child care “package”. Nursery Schools must be licensed by DHHS and meet minimum standards.

Head Start: This program offers educational programs to low-income preschool children including children with special needs. Other important services such as medical, dental, educational, mental health, and social services are also offered. Head Start is not a full-day child care program in some areas of Maine but some are run in collaboration with child care centers for full-day care.

In-Home Care: A relative, friend or someone else that you hire to care for your child in your home. This option is not regulated.

Legal Unlicensed Family Day Care: Homes in which only one or two children, not related to the care giver, are cared for without a license. No training or inspections required. Background checks required.

For more information please contact the Resource Development Center
1-800-834-4378 or 207-667-2467,
Fax 207-667-2212 or judithn@childandfamilyopp.com

Child Care Opportunities, Resource Development Center
18 Avery Lane Ellsworth, Maine •  667-2467
14 Stevens Lane, Marshfield, Maine • 1-800-834-4378
judithn@childandfamilyopp.com