How parents define child "care" varies according to individual family need. But the need for affordable, quality child care is great, and growing.

According to the Children's Defense Fund:

• More that 19 million children under the age of 6 years are in some form of child care. 
• More than 65 percent of mothers with children in this age range are in the US labor force. 
• More than 78 percent of mothers with children between the ages of 6-13 are in the US labor force. 
• More than 55 percent of all US mothers bring home half or more of their household income.

American Academy of Pediatrics studies on early child development have proven that a child's brain structure is influenced significantly by environment and experiences during the first few years of life. More than 50 Easterseals Child Development Centers in communities across the nation help children of all abilities work toward developmental goals at the time in their lives when they are most ready to learn.

All Easterseals Child Development Centers strive to meet the accreditation guidelines set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC accreditation is granted on a program-by-program basis. A program is not accredited by NAEYC until it has successfully completed the entire accreditation process, including an on-site visit and subsequent review by NAEYC. To determine if a particular Easterseals program is accredited, you may review NAEYC's list of accredited programs.

Each Easterseals facility offers ongoing training for care givers; low child to adult ratios; developmentally appropriate learning activities; and top-quality facilities that meet or exceed industry standards. As a non-profit organization, Easterseals provides its high-quality services at costs that are affordable to families in need.