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Is preschool better than daycare?

What is impressive about toddlers is their imagination or curiosity knows no bounds. They respond to what and who captures their attention. It is why they need nurturing for their development. It is the reason activities in preschool and daycare centers matter. Although for some people, one of them has more edges.  

The common notion in a daycare center or preschool 

Through the years, people have diverse opinions on which better in preschools and daycare centers. Some parents who have high regard for education prefer the former. The latter are known partners for parents while they’re away from their young children.

However, there are daycare centers now that provide educational activities and child care assistance. The disparities between these institutions from preschools become narrower that it is up to the parents where they entrust their children. Moreover, daycare centers also get accreditations and licenses that are similar to preschools. On top of these, both employ professionals in early childhood care and have comparable costs. 

Daycare or preschool?

Even preschool and daycare centers almost have similarities, different factors that set them apart. Knowing these can also help parents to decide what to choose for their children.

Hours. Typically, classes in preschools operate for more or less a half day. 

Daycare centers, on the other hand, are open for longer hours. Let’s say it may already open before moms and daddies go to work until they come back.

Days. Preschools have school breaks. Assume also they don’t have classes in holidays, summer, and bad weather. In contrast, daycare is open for most holidays and even rainy or snowy days.

Age. Most toddlers in preschool are around two years old to four years old. Daycare centers, on the other hand, accept younger or older than this age range.

Staff. Expect the team members in preschools are teachers in early childhood education.

In daycare centers, you can also see teachers for young kids. However, it is typical that there are more care providers.

Program System. A preschool follows a curriculum or system that is beneficial for student assessment. Moreover, the activities are engaging and meaningful for child education and character development. 

Daycare centers also have programs that advantageous to learning and development, but the priority is to provide care.

Care Provider or Teacher-Child Ratio. The lower the number of children per daycare staff member is the better. It helps an educator or care provider to better monitor and attends to the needs of each pupil. 

In daycare centers, children per trained adult vary. It depends on the age, but the recommended is 6:1 or six 3-year-old to six-year-old kids per trained adult. The widely accepted ratio in preschool is 10:1 or ten pupils per one teacher. 

It is also vital to note that it is not only choosing between daycare and preschool. Being meticulous in choosing an institution is excellent to ensure a child receives care. A parent may consider a center’s facilities, programs, and methods to take care of a child.

Rainbow Preschool and Child Care Center is an example of an institution with a high-standard structure and nurturing environment. It employs well-structured programs to provide holistic childcare.