day care [OE, daeg + cearu] , a specialized program or facility that provides care for infants and preschool children, usually within a group framework. Day-care centers vary in size and function and range from neighborhood parent-supervised play groups to formal nursery schools or organized centers run by trained personnel. Most day-care programs incorporate a daily schedule of play, outdoor activities, games and projects, creative or educational play and snack and rest periods. Federal regulations require that states have policies in place for infection control, safety of the physical premises, and health and safety training appropriate to the setting. State policies in regard to these regulations vary.
