The term describes an individual or entity responsible for supervising and caring for children during designated hours, typically when parents or guardians are unavailable. This encompasses a range of activities, including providing meals, facilitating play, ensuring safety, and potentially offering educational experiences. For instance, a person operating a licensed home-based childcare service, or a center employing numerous caregivers, both fall under this classification.
Offering such services is vital for supporting working families, enabling parents to participate in the workforce while ensuring their children’s well-being. The availability of these services contributes to economic productivity and early childhood development. Historically, this form of care has evolved from informal arrangements within communities to regulated industries with standardized practices and safety protocols.
