Choosing the childcare program that works best for your family can be overwhelming. You want nurturing care, opportunities for social-emotional learning, convenient hours, preparation for school in the future and so much more. How is a family to choose?
To begin, there are two main types of care: home daycare services and childcare centers. Both take care of children, but they work differently. Let’s see what makes each one special.
What Is Home Daycare?
Home daycare happens in someone’s house. A caregiver, with assistants, watches a small group of children who play in regular rooms in the house.
The caregiver receives a license from the state. This means they follow rules to keep children safe. Most home daycare services can watch 6-8 children at one time.
Home daycare feels like being at a friend’s house. Children of different ages play together. Babies might nap while older children play together.
What Is a Childcare Center?
Childcare centers are designed as early childhood education programs, and often look more like a school than a home. They feature a curriculum appropriate to supporting the learning of young children. Each room is carefully designed for a specific age group. Babies have their own room. Toddlers have another room. And preschool in yet another room.
Teachers at centers acquire specialized knowledge about the development and learning of children. They follow strict rules from the state, and a state licensor comes to inspect frequently.
Size Differences Matter
Home daycare services are small, usually serving 6-8 children total. This means each child gets lots of attention from the caregiver.
Childcare centers are larger. They might have 50-100 children. Children are divided into small groups by age:
- Infants: 0-18 months
- Toddlers: 18 months – 3 years
- Preschoolers: 3-5 years
Each group has its own teachers and classroom.
Daily Activities Are Different
Home daycare days are flexible. The caregiver decides what to do each day. Some days might be quiet. Other days might have more activities.
Childcare centers follow routines and a curriculum, while including flexibility to tend to the needs and interests of individual children. A typical day in a childcare center might include:
- Circle time including literacy and math activities
- Center time where children explore a range of activities including science, art, and dramatic play
- Art, science, music, and literacy lessons Learning activities with the entire class
- Outside play
- Lunch and nap
- Enrichment activities exposing children to a wide range of experiences
Learning Programs
Home daycare learning depends on the caregiver. Some caregivers are great teachers. Others focus more on keeping kids safe and happy.
Childcare centers have planned lessons. Children learn letters, numbers, and how to get along with friends. They do science experiments and art projects.
Centers have more learning tools. They buy special toys, books, and games for each age group.
Cost Differences
Home daycare services usually cost less money, as there are fewer expenses to cover.
Childcare centers cost more. They have many teachers to pay. They also pay for rent in a larger building, playgrounds, and lots of supplies.
Which Is Right for Your Child?
Think about what your child needs. Some children do better in small, quiet places like home daycare. Other children love the activities and friends at centers.
Consider your family’s needs too. Do you need flexible hours? Home daycare might be better. Do you want structured learning? A center might be the right choice.
Visit both types before deciding. Ask questions about safety, activities, and daily schedules. Trust your feelings about where your child will be happiest.
Why Some Families Choose Professional Centers
Many parents want the benefits that professional centers offer. More teachers mean more attention to each child’s needs. Planned activities help children get ready for school.
Professional centers also give parents peace of mind. Strict safety rules and regular inspections mean children are well-protected.
At Discovery Village in Tarrytown, we combine the best of both worlds. We offer the care and attention of home daycare with the resources and programs of a professional center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are home daycare services cheaper than childcare centers?
Usually, home daycares are less costly if you compare them to childcare centers. This is due to a lower number of children and resources in home daycare.
Which option is better for shy children?
Shy children might feel more comfortable in smaller home daycare settings at first. But childcare centers can help shy children make more friends and build confidence over time.
Do home daycare services prepare children for school?
Some home daycare services may have activities and curriculum that may prepare children for school. If you want to prepare your children fully for school, childcare centers are the best option.
