1.3 The Structure of the Field of Early Learning
Holly Lanoue, M.Ed.
It can be overwhelming to consider the many types of program approaches, settings, and models within the field of early learning. This chapter will focus on the more common programs in the United States for children pre-birth to age eight. In future chapters, program philosophies (sometimes called approaches, or curriculum approaches) will be addressed.
NAEYC has also presented a document from the Power to the Profession work entitled the Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Education Profession (Power to the Profession Task Force, 2020). This document recognized that the field in general includes a diverse range of individuals and settings that contribute to the field. The document attempts to unify the field and discusses how the United States can make significant and sustained investments in high quality early learning programs. This document is the foundation for discussions about how the field is structured.
Programs for Children Pre-birth to Age Five
The majority of programs caring for children from birth to age five are small private, tuition-based childcare centers that offer either part day or full day programs. Licensed childcare centers in the state of Washington obtain their license from the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The number of children that a center can be licensed for depends on the available space and the ages of the children they serve. Families can use tools found on the DCYF website to search for care in their community as well as review any licensing infractions or concerns the department has about a center.
The Early Achievers program is one framework in place to assure quality of care in Washington state. This program provides a rating system for childcare providers based on observable elements of quality indicators. In addition, some centers might seek accreditation through NAEYC. This optional accreditation is an independent study of a center focusing on the center’s curriculum, environment, education of the teachers, and other quality indicators.
Family home early learning programs (located in the operator’s home) are the least visible, yet most prevalent, form of childcare in many communities. In Washington state, Family Childcare Homes are licensed, and they can apply to be Early Achievers sites as well.
Family, Friends and Neighbor care (FFN) differs from family childcare. FFN might include unlicensed grandparents, aunts/uncles, elders, older siblings, friends or neighbors who support families by providing childcare. FFN is the most common type of childcare for infants, toddlers, and school-age children before and after school hours. FFN care is not regulated by the state, although some FFN providers can receive childcare subsidies for childcare if they are willing to follow the DCYF guidelines.
Preschool (sometimes called part day programs), which also includes cooperative preschools or nursery schools, are unlicensed