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In the July 8 Gazette article, "Accokeek day care options expanding for commuting parents," it states that according to the Maryland Family Network there are approximately 1,200 child care centers in Prince George's County. That is incorrect.

There are approximately 400 licensed small and large group child care centers and 1,200 registered family child care providers throughout the county.

While there is just a few licensed child care centers and about 20 registered family child care providers actually in Accokeek, there are an additional 25 licensed small and large group child care centers and 100 registered family child care providers in the community of Fort Washington.

We in the early childhood education field need to educate parents and the public about registered family and small group child care centers housed in homes.

These providers are not "babysitters." Because their businesses are housed in homes, many do not consider them businesses, take them seriously or understand the importance of their profession. It is long overdue that registered family child care providers and small group centers housed in homes receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

Registered family child care providers are licensed through the Maryland State Department of Education just as child care centers are. Prior to being issued a license, family child care providers have to complete mandatory early childhood education classes and training as do child care center staff. Homes used by registered family child care providers and small group centers have to meet specific building codes and regulations just as centers do.

Many registered family child care providers possess early childhood education degrees and CDAs (Child Development Associate certifications). Many of them also participate in the Maryland State Department of Education Credentialing Program, which is a quality rating program, and/or are nationally accredited by the National Association of Family Child Care. Many are also members of local, state and national child care associations.

You will find a variety of early childhood education and care programs offered by family child care providers and small group centers at different quality levels as you will with child care centers. Many registered family and small group child care providers provide curriculum-based programs that include field trips just as schools and centers do.

Parents should really do themselves and their children a favor by taking the time to educate themselves about all the early childhood education programs available to them before making the decision on which program best meets their and their child's needs.

A wealth of information can be found at the Maryland State Department of Education website at Maryland Division of Early Childhood Development.

A link to a list of all registered family child care providers and licensed small and large group centers can be found on the Maryland State Department of Education website at http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/lists. You will find a link to a list of accredited family child care providers and centers on that page as well.

Debra Walker of Bowie is program director at Professional Child Care Provider Network of Prince George's County Inc.