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When comparing daycare you may be looking at different care options such as comparing an in-home daycare to a daycare facility. You may have already decided on what type of daycare you want, but are comparing two different locations, such as two different in-home daycares.
These thoughts and ideas will help you in both respects.
There are so many aspects to consider.
Before you begin to make your selection sit down with your partner and discuss what is most important for you when it comes to childcare.
For some that could be price for others it is outdoor time. You have to decide what is most important to you.
My experience with this includes growing up in a household where an in-home daycare was run. My mom did so for my entire childhood. Then I became a nanny for a private family. And now my daughter is attending daycare at a church facility.
I have seen the various situations and know many pros and cons that can come with each environment. I cannot speak for everything you may find at each location. These are just things you could run into or use to help guide you in making the right childcare decision for your family.
Every daycare is different and every family has different needs. Take what works for you.
1. Caregivers
Let’s first start with who you want caring for your child. If you want the same person 100% caring for your child a nanny or in-home daycare can best guarantee this.
With a larger facility, the caregivers could take vacation time or sick days, and then a different caregiver could step in to fill their role. With a larger facility, your baby or child will periodically move up from room to room. This will happen as they age out of rooms and they will move on, which will equate to new caregivers.
When it comes to a larger facility with multiple caregivers there is a different sense of accountability and oversight. A nanny or in-home daycare provider is likely on their own. There is no one else there.
I think this can be a huge part of any parents’ decision.
Now I will say things happen. Things happen in every type of child care situation. There is never a guarantee of perfection.
2. Environment
What type of environment do you want? Do you want your child to be with children that are the same age or of varying ages? Do you want them to be at home or in a homey environment? Would a classroom environment with a focus on learning suit you best?
If you go with an in-home daycare they will likely have a variety of age ranges. This can be a pro or a con.
Older children can inspire your little one to try to grow and develop the skills they are seeing. Varying ages can teach your child so much. If they are 12 months old and there is a 6-month-old around they will learn not to touch the baby or to be gentle.
There can also be the negative of learning things older kids are experiencing such as becoming territorial over toys. This may be a reason you do not want your little one to be around older children.
If your child is older, say a 4-year-old. They may not be allowed to play with small toys because it is not safe for the 12-month-old. Younger children could hold your child back from experiencing things they could otherwise be experiencing.
A room full of children that are the same age can be specifically designed to meet the needs of that age group.
A group of the same age child does not prevent your child from learning positive or negative actions from the other children.
You can’t prevent this.
The ratio of children to care providers is of course important. There are state-mandated ratios based on the age of the children.
Is the environment clean and organized? These are general expectations, but you want to take a look around to see if they are actually taking place.
Other things to consider are the layout, look, and size of the space your child will be spending their day. Is it a happy, colorful setting? Are there different areas or stations to create variety in their day? Do they get to move to other locations such as a playground or gym?
3. Daily Routine/Schedule
What do you expect your child to experience during their day?
Do you what them to have a consistent routine?
Most childcare providers will have some semblance of a routine. This can also vary widely on the age of your child. If you have a 6-month-old for example, do you expect them to get your baby on a nap schedule? Are you ok with them napping in a swing or do you expect them to be on their back in a bed?
Do you want daycare to give your baby tummy time or would you prefer to do that at home?
These are things to ask and know.
With older kids activities such as outdoor time, free play, crafts, preschool time, or storytime may be priorities for you. Know what they have available and what will take place during the day.
We recently interviewed an in-home daycare provider. She was completely honest with us saying that she is not a preschool. I appreciated her honesty in this area.
Another thing to consider is any religious aspects of a daycare. Some do have a religious component that may or may not suit your beliefs.
Electronic and TV time, in general, should be known upfront. How much is allowed if any? What amount are you comfortable with?
You want to know what your child will be doing throughout the day.
4. Naps
The sleep situation is important in considering your choice of childcare providers. In many situations, your infant will be in a crib until they are one year old. At that point most facilities expect your child to move to sleeping on a cot.
Some places may have cribs or pack’n’plays available longer than one year depending on the space available and the number of children.
You will want to completely understand their plan for sleep and make sure they follow safe sleep standards.
Sleep also plays into the schedule and routine. Will the sleep time work for your child? Are you comfortable with the sleep expectations?
5. Food
When sending your child to daycare what are your thoughts on food? Do you want to send them somewhere that you need to pack a lunch daily or where the meals will be provided? Some places expect you to pack the lunch but will provide the snacks.
If food is provided does it meet your standards in quality and any dietary restrictions your child may have?
One thing I didn’t think about before sending my child to daycare was when she would have access to her cup. As a young toddler she only gets to have her cup during meal and snack times. This can be a good or bad thing depending on your point of view.
We felt bad that she would not have constant access to her cup, but also realize this helps with the spread of germs. Not to mention the huge factor regarding her allergies. Our daughter is allergic to dairy so if she got a hold of someone else’s cup she could have an allergic reaction.
See so many things to consider!
6. Calendar Year
Throughout the year you need to consider how sick days, vacations, and holidays are handled. Different places will have different policies.
Learn these policies upfront. This way you can bank up whatever PTO you need to get through the year.
7. Price
You can’t completely disregard the price. The care your child receives should be more important than the price. Life isn’t always that simple though and you probably live on a budget. Shop around and try to find the best care for the best price.
Whichever place has great care and a great price will likely be filled so get on the waitlist early!
Conclusion
I hope these topics helped get you prepared for picking a childcare provider for your little one. It is a difficult decision. If you are struggling with it at all focus on the positives.
The socialization your child will get there. Their flexibility with different environments and of course their exposure to many different walks of life.
Good luck in navigating your way through this decision!
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