The type of care you choose for your child can shape their development and educational future.
How can you possibly make such a big decision without testing them all out first?
Not only do you have to decide what setting would best support your child, but there are several other factors to think of. Money, availability, and accommodations that your child may need all play a role in the type of care you can and should get.
This is exactly the time to break out a good old-fashioned pro-con list.
Before figuring out which type of child care works best for you, it’s important to figure out what’s out there! Read on to learn more about the types of daycare centers and child care available.
Child Care Centers
These child care centers are what come to mind when one thinks of daycare.
This type of child care is similar in structure to dropping your child off at school. In a structured classroom or playroom environment, they learn, play, and do activities throughout the day. In this type of center, they’re instructed by teachers and aides, while given the chance to interact with peers their own age.
Daycare and pre-school centers are often open during traditional work hours. The care center may offer full-time care, part-time care, or both. These centers can be inside religious buildings, in workplaces, or stand-alone.
You can find available programs by searching online and following tips from happybunnies.co.uk.
While both are child care centers, there are a couple of core differences between daycare and pre-schools. For one, daycare is for infants and younger toddlers while pre-school is made for 3-5-year-olds. Pre-school incorporates more academic activities to help prepare the children for kindergarten.
Nanny
Some people prefer to have someone come into their own home and take care of their children. Nanny care is a popular option for those who prefer to keep their children at home and those who have multiple young children who need care.
A nanny is more flexible in time than traditional daycare centers and is a great choice for those who work atypical shifts.
For those on a budget, a nanny share is a great option. A nanny share involves sharing a nanny with another family to split the costs.
Au pairs have a similar role to a nanny. Au pairs are often from other countries and are with the family for a year or two.
Au pair childcare differs in that they are often with the children full-time and stay in the residence.
Home Daycare
This type is more casual than the child care centers but still provides a positive social environment from being around peers. These family daycares will have small groups of children in the home, compared to a center that may have many classrooms.
These are less formal in structure than daycare centers, but they should offer a basic level of safety and regulation.
Nature-Based
This option is perfect for nature lovers. If you’re hoping to immerse your child in nature while providing some sense of structure, nature-based care centers may be the best option for your family.
These aren’t often available for infants and non-walkers. For toddlers and pre-school-aged children, outdoor classrooms are a great way to naturally support development.
Choosing Different Types of Daycare
Putting your child in care for the first time is a big moment. You’ll want a place you can trust and feel that your child benefits from.
Only your family can decide what types of daycare will work for your work schedule, lifestyle, and budget.
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My sister would like to look for a daycare facility where she can leave her son while she’s at work. Thank you for sharing here as well the importance eof checking the facility first. I also agree with you that it would be smarter to check the staff’s performance too.