Supporting those who support the littelest learners

By Marisa K. Kunnemanns
Imperial Republican Correspondent
Welcome to the Early Childhood Corner. This is where you can learn about what it takes to work with the littlest learners.
In this first article of Early Childhood Corner, information about the types of child care programs will be shared. Future articles will spotlight local providers, programs that support providers, information about child development and activities that you can participate in with your child.
If you have a question, or a topic you would like information on, submit it imperialads@highplaisnnews.co and we will try to find an answer for you.
There are five types of licensed child care options in Nebraska. A Family Child Care Home I is located in the home of the provider. The maximum capacity is eight children of mixed ages and two additional children during non-school hours.
Only 3 children may be less than 18 months and at least one of those children must be more than 12 months. A Family Child Care Home II can be located in the home of the provider or at another site. The maximum capacity is twelve children with two providers. Only 3 children may be less than 18 months and at least one of those children must be more than 12 months, per provider.
A Child Care Center is licensed for 13 or more children while following the staff to child ratio per the state regulations.
A center may have several classrooms to divide the ages. Children less than 18 months need one adult per 4 children. Children 18 months up to 36 months need one adult per 6 children. Three-year olds are one adult per 10 children. Four and five-year olds need one adult per 12 children. School-age need one adult per 15 children. A School Age Only Center is licensed for 13 or more children who are attending or have attended school. One adult is needed for every 15 children.
A Preschool provides educational services where children do not nap and are not fed a meal. Children are 3 years or older and have not attended school. Ratios are one adult for every 10 three-year olds and one adult for every 12 four, five, and six-year old.
A License Exempt child care provider may provide child care for less than four children without needing a license through the state.
Licensed Child Care Providers have a lot of regulations that we need to abide by. This makes what we do more than ‘babysitting’. We are a business that provides a very necessary  need in our community.
Information about the types of Child Care Licenses was taken from Nebraska’s Department of Health & Human Services Website. (dhhs.ne.gov)
Check in next time where the Early Childhood Corner will spotlight the Preschool and Child Care Centers that are located in Imperial.