What is a defining feature of a private childcare setting?

A defining feature of a private childcare setting is that parents pay directly for the services provided. This characteristic distinguishes private childcare establishments from public ones. In private settings, families typically enter into agreements or contracts with the provider to cover the costs of care and education, which can vary based on the level of service, age of the children, and the specific offerings of the facility.

In contrast to public childcare, where the government covers costs or subsidizes services making them free or low-cost for families, private childcare relies on fees paid by parents. This fee structure allows private facilities to have greater flexibility in programming, staffing, and operational decisions, often leading to diverse educational philosophies and environments.

Private childcare does not depend on community donations or government funding, which further emphasizes its focus on direct payment from families seeking services. Understanding this feature highlights the different funding mechanisms and operational frameworks between varying childcare settings.