What Does a Daycare Do?

Choosing the right type of daycare Capalaba is a personal choice. When deciding, you will need to consider your hours, finances, values, need for flexibility versus routine, and most importantly, your child. In order to find care that fits your child, choose childcare that is in line with your child’s personality. Finding the right daycare center for your child is no small task. You’re looking for a safe, nurturing environment that will meet all the social, emotional, developmental and academic needs of your child.

Center-Based daycare Capalaba

Center-based daycare facilities are in commercial buildings. These businesses are usually much larger than home-based daycare centers and can therefore take in more kids. Centers can vary widely, and you may need to make several visits before finding a center you are comfortable with.  Centers should be licensed by the state.  They can also apply for accreditation, which is optional. 

Family Home Daycare

By definition, home-based daycare is a small childcare business operated inside someone’s home. Home daycare must also be state licensed (but state requirements may be less stringent than for centers), and can earn accreditation through the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC).  There will likely be a single care provider and a small group of children, which fosters good emotional development, and the feeling of a family environment.  The quality of care can vary widely though, and the caregiver may have no background in child development.

Nanny

A nanny is a caregiver employed by the family to provide in-home childcare, on either a live-in or live-out basis. Among nannies, there is a diversity of childcare experience, educational background, and willingness to do non-child related work. Some parents aren’t comfortable sending their children to daycare. If you’re among that group and have the budget, a nanny is a great option. This way, you know your child is in your home, under surveillance of your own indoor video cameras, and with someone you know. Your baby will get personalized attention since they will be the only one in the nanny’s care.

Au Pair

Au pairs are nannies from other countries, and they’re generally less expensive than other kinds of nannies—though they do often live with the host family. The au pair is to be treated as a member of the family during the stay, which is often limited to one year.

Relative or close/trusted friends

Some parents feel that family members or friends are the best caregivers for their child.  They are personally involved with the child, and are likely to be reliable and loving caregivers.  They may also be more flexible when parents work odd hours.  Costs may be lower, or there may be no cost. However, good communication with the family member or friend is key, and everyone involved must be clear about their expectations. 

Generally, what children need in a daycare or preschool curriculum is an engaging introduction to oral language, phonemes and letters, words, mathematics and puzzles, science and cultural concepts. There should be a strong play-based component, since children learn through play. Look for a combination of free play and structured play. You should be able to view a sample of their week's curriculum and their yearly schedule.