Episcopal child care programs range from small home-based daycares to large academically-oriented Episcopal preschools. While they're best suited for families of the Episcopalian faith, these religious programs can be also be a good solution for families of all backgrounds since many Episcopal daycares welcome families of any faith. They are often less expensive than secular child development centers and some even offer sliding scale tuition programs to help families afford what can be one of the most expensive aspects of raising a child. The Episcopal Church originated in the Church of England, and is one of the protestant branches most similar to Catholicism. The most noticeable difference is its reliance on the Bible as the only religious authority, which means that there is no figure similar to the pope within the Church leadership. Therefore, the vast majority of Episcopal child care centers use biblical teachings as a part of their daily curriculum. The many similarities between Catholic and Episcopal schools can also make them a good choice for Catholic parents who can't find a Catholic daycare or preschool through their own church network. Regardless of the particulars of their curriculum, all Episcopal child care and preschool programs will emphasize values consistent with a Christian upbringing. They will also stress standard early childhood education goals such as productive socialization and developmentally appropriate skill building. This makes Episcopal home daycares and child care centers good options for non-religious who want to expose their children to a supportive environment that emphasizes strong morals, spirituality, and a sense of community. Many children thrive in consistent environments, and parents agreeing with the moral tenets of the Episcopal Church can be assured that their children will receive consistent reinforcement of those values. Even non-religious families might enjoy the tight-knit community that often forms around Episcopal and other Christian daycares and preschools (families looking for care should note that Episcopal daycare centers are typically affiliated with a particular Episcopal parish.) For parents looking for a certain level of Bible study or prayer in their child's education, it would be wise to check how often these appears in the curriculum, as the frequency of explicit religious instruction can vary between programs.