Term Definition

Employee characteristics

committed Devoted; showing a strong sense of responsibility for

tolerant Open-minded, able to respect other perspectives and points of view

mature judgment The ability to make sound decisions after careful thought; not impulsive

Program characteristics

services Half-day or full-day care, transportation for children, and other things done
for the children and parents in a center

sponsorship Receiving financial support from government or foundational sources

state regulations Rules and statutes that control child care in a state

Positions

adminstrator A person who is responsible for the operation of a child care center and is
on site on a regular basis

lead teacher A person who is responsible for planning and implementing the daily
program of activities for children in a center

teacher A person who assists the lead teacher in planning and implementing
activities and at times is in charge of a group of children

teachers aide A person who assists the lead teacher or teacher and is supervised at all
times, never left in charge of a group of children

substitute A person who temporarily assumes duties of a regular staff person for a
time not to exceed two consecutive months
volunteer A person who works in a child care center and is not monetarily
compensated by the center

intern A person who volunteers in a center as part of an educational program to

prepare for future work in the field

State guidelines for staffing

discrimination The act of showing bias by treating people differently according to race,
color, sex, age, disability, or national origin

criminal background A check to determine if a person has ever been arrested or convicted of a
check crime

First Aid training Sessions to learn how to respond in emergency situations

Communicable Sessions to learn about diseases that can be passed from one person to
Disease training another