The child care & early education glossary defines terms used to describe aspects of child care and early education practice and policy; the research glossary defines terms used in conducting social science and policy research, for example those describing methods, measurements, statistical procedures, and other aspects of research.
License Exempt Child Care
Legally operated child care that is exempt from regulatory requirements set forth by the state or the local licensing agency. To receive subsides, license/legally exempt child care must comply with requirements of the Subsidy system (e.g., mandatory criminal background checks, healthy and safety inspections, etc.).
Licensed Capacity
Refers to the maximum number of children allowed to be in a licensed or regulated child care program or setting at any one time. Capacity is based upon the number of children for which adequate facilities and teachers/caregivers are provided, in accordance with supervision and space requirements.
Licensed Child Care
Child care programs operated in homes or in facilities that fall within the regulatory system of a state or community and comply with those regulations. Many states have different licensing and regulatory requirements.
Licensing Inspection
Onsite inspections of a child care program to monitor compliance with licensing or other regulatory requirements. Once a child care program has been licensed, it will receive inspections to ensure ongoing compliance. See related: Monitoring.
Licensing or Regulatory Requirements
Refers to requirements that providers must meet to legally operate child care services in a state or locality, including registration requirements established under state, local, or Tribal law.
Limited English Speaking/Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Individuals who speak a language other than English as their first language and have limited comprehension, and ability to speak, read or write in English. See related: English Language Learners (ELL); Dual Language Learners (DLL); Bilingual.
Linguistic Competence
The ability of an organization and its staff to communicate effectively with, and provide information to, people who may have limited English skills, low literacy, or disabilities.
Market Rate
The typical listed price for child care in a given geographic area. Market rates will vary due to factors such as location, types of care setting, hours of operation, ages of children they serve, and other features of the providers, such as their educational background. See related: Cost of Care.
McKinney-Vento Act
The primary piece of federal legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. The Act authorizes the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program which entitles homeless children and youth to a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), including a Preschool education.
Mentoring
A form of Professional Development characterized by an ongoing relationship between a novice and an experienced teacher or provider to deliver personalized instruction and feedback. Mentoring is intended to increase an individual's personal or professional capacity, resulting in greater professional effectiveness. See related: Coaching, Consultation.