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Understanding childcare options can feel confusing, especially when hours overlap. The easiest way to think about it is this: the type of care is determined by whether your child is in school and what time of day they need support. Each type of care serves a different purpose in a child’s routine and your family’s schedule.

Before Care
Before care supports families who need help before the school day begins. These early morning hours (for example, 6:30 AM–8:30 AM) are focused on making mornings smooth. A caregiver may help with breakfast, getting dressed, and guiding your child into a calm start before school.

Daycare (Full or Partial Day)
Daycare is for children who are not yet in school—including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or homeschooled learners. It can also support school-aged children when they happen to be out of school for the day, such as during illness recovery (non-contagious), medical appointments, or school holidays and closures. With daycare, whether it’s a half-day (9 AM–12 PM) or a full day (8 AM–4 PM), children spend this time learning, playing, napping, eating, and building important developmental skills.

After Care
After care bridges the gap between school and home. These afternoon hours (for example, 3 PM–6 PM) help children transition out of the school day with snacks, homework time, outdoor play, and a chance to unwind before evening routines at home.

A Simple Way to Remember
If your child attends school that day and the care happens outside school hours, it’s Before Care or After Care. If your child is not in school during that day, any amount of daytime care is Daycare, even if it’s just a few hours. 

Each option supports children differently, but the goal is the same: a predictable, nurturing routine that helps your child grow while giving families peace of mind.

Homework help is when a caregiver supports your child in completing assignments given by their school. The focus is on understanding the instructions, staying on task, and completing the work correctly.

Tutoring is more structured learning outside of regular school assignments. A tutor teaches or reinforces specific skills, explains concepts in depth, and helps the child improve understanding in a subject area.

In short: Homework help is about completing school assignments, while tutoring is about learning and mastering new skills.

Essentials such as snacks, emergency contacts, house rules, a daily schedule, and any tasks you expect the caregiver to handle. For younger children, provide nap items, extra clothes, wipes, or diapers.

Caregivers do not provide meals. Parents are responsible for supplying all in-home snacks and meals, as well as meals for outings.

Caregivers can assist by warming up food, serving meals, or helping children eat. They can also help with simple meal prep using ingredients already in your kitchen, such as cutting fruit, making a sandwich, or pouring drinks.

This approach ensures children are fed safely while parents maintain control over what and when they eat, including accommodating any dietary needs or special considerations.

Parents must share all allergies, medical instructions, and emergency contacts. Caregivers can follow written instructions and use parent-authorized medication only if it’s legal and safe to administer.

Caregivers focus on children first. Light tasks related to childcare—like washing bottles, cleaning up play areas, or preparing snacks—are appropriate. 

No. Caregivers do not provide car seats. Parents are responsible for supplying any required car seats or booster seats for transportation.

This ensures children are always traveling safely and in accordance with your family’s preferences and legal requirements.

Parents should notify the caregiver as soon as possible. Late fees or extended hourly pay may apply, depending on the agreed terms.