When figuring out whether preschool or daycare is better for your child, you might run into a challenge. Since the words “preschool” and “daycare” are sometimes used interchangeably, how can you really tell them apart? Below, you’ll find a detailed comparison of daycare vs. preschool so you can choose the right program for your child to learn and grow.
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Daycare is a child care service in which children are cared for on a regular basis outside the family home. Your children will join a group of other children at either a commercial daycare center or a family child care facility in a provider’s home. Since centers are commercial entities, they are typically more expensive than family child care.
Daycare centers may care for children as young as six weeks old, making them a great choice for working parents of very young children. Daycare programs also offer an enriching environment to support child development. The main purpose of daycare, though, is to assist parents with child care when they need it.
Every daycare program is different. For starters, you can find both partial-day and full-day programs. Part-time daycare can be a great option for parents who don’t work a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work schedule. In any case, daycare providers ensure your child gets adequate nap time and that all their nutritional needs are met.
Some daycare programs separate children into different age groups, such as infants and toddlers. Others offer mixed-age programs in which children interact with peers of different ages. Both types of child care programs give kids the opportunity to develop important social skills that will benefit them in early childhood and beyond. Since daycare programs focus on kids interacting and playing group games, your child will learn to cooperate and share.
Daycare programs balance routine and structure with free play, so your child may start to gain a sense of self-confidence and independence. Your child may also form close bonds with their daycare providers, and that’s important for their social development. One of the drawbacks of daycare, though, is that provider turnover may be higher than in a preschool program. This can be particularly challenging for young children such as infants, who often become especially attached to their care providers.
Preschool is an early childhood education (ECE) program that focuses on the pre-academic skills children will need for elementary school. Preschool age requirements differ among schools but usually include children between ages 3 and 5. Child care through preschool programs is typically less expensive than infant care.
A typical day at preschool will include activities that mix learning and playing based on a preschool’s curriculum and educational philosophy. Example philosophies include Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. You can also find these programs with language immersion and STEAM or STEM orientation.
Beyond the environment, in-home and child care center programs offer a variety of curriculum for learning and development.
Below are the most essential differences between preschool and daycare programs. Wonderschool can help you find the right fit no matter which program you wind up preferring for your family.
Choosing between daycare and preschool encompasses more than your schedule needs and your child’s age. The right choice also depends on your child’s current development — children in preschool are expected to hit certain milestones before their first day. This includes potty training, the ability to follow directions and communicate basic needs, and previous experience interacting with other children.
If you’re on the fence about preschool and child care, it helps to research individual programs. For example, even if your child is still working on their communication skills, they may benefit from certain preschool programs. If your child loves the outdoors, programs such as forest schools might be a great fit.
You can visit as many daycare centers and preschools as you need until one feels right. It’s also smart to ask other parents about their experiences or search online for reviews and testimonials. That said, every child and their development journey is unique. A program that might not work for another family could be exactly what your child needs to flourish. You can always use our checklist to help evaluate the best option.
Choosing the best child care program for your family isn’t an easy choice. It’s easier, though, if you understand the key differences between daycare and preschool. With this knowledge, you’ll be more confident that your final decision is the right one. Whether you want to prepare your child for kindergarten or build their social skills in a mixed-age setting, there’s a program for you.
Ready to choose the best early education option for your child? Explore Wonderschool’s daycare and preschool providers in your area to find the right fit. Your child's bright future starts here!
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