Difference Between Preschool and Daycare

After having a child, many parents are faced with the decision of child care for when they are at work. There are two different options that parents can choose from – preschool and daycare. Many parents have to consider the differences between the two forms of child care. Let’s take a look at what the main differences between preschool and daycare are and how you can decide which is best for your family.

Pre-School

Typically, preschool (pre-k) centers are focused on preparing a child to begin school and provide for an early learning program. However, most pre-k programs are usually limited on the age ranges they can accept. Many preschools typically are only able to accept children beginning around the age of three who are fully potty trained up to the age of five. A pre-k program generally provides care for shorter hours to essentially mimic a school day and do not provide care for children during school breaks, holidays, and summer vacations. Some pre-k’s may offer extended care programs, which may keep them open during school breaks and summer vacations. An immense benefit to a pre-k institution is that your child will be in a program that allows them to interact with children their own age. This level of interaction allows your child to create and sustain relationships with his or her peers based on any similarities that they may have.

PreK Pro’s include:

– a school like schedule
– age based programs
– grow strong relationships with peers

Day Care

Child care providers, or daycare centers, are typically more flexible in their hours and encompass a care plan for a wider range of age groups. Many working parents feel that child care is more convenient for them because the hours are typically longer than a preschool center and they do not have to have a larger back up plan for any school breaks. Going with a daycare route does not limit your child to interacting with child who are only in their specific age group and can provide additional benefits in their development. As a daycare provider is able to have children of multiple age groups coexist in one central location, many children are provided with the benefit of learning things about their peers who are in different age groups and can ascertain a level of compassion earlier on in their personal development that they may not have a chance to cultivate in a pre-k program. In many instances, parents may not see a difference between a daycare or a pre-k program.

Day Care Pros include:

– more freedom for a work schedule
– develop a sense of compassion due to the expansion of age groups involved     in care
– lower cost

Pricing

Typically, pricing between a daycare center and a preschool are relatively similar. Each institution also requires similar, if not the same certifications. However, many times a parent may pick an in home daycare ran by a private provider that does not have as strict of a certification plan to follow in order to cut daycare costs. This is not a bad idea, if the family is comfortable with the provider they have selected.
Care Provider Introductions
It is always best practice to have your child visit with the person/people whose care he or she may be in for the day. Setting up a visitation allows for everyone to meet and for parents to see how their child will react with the care provider.

Emphasis on Education

Many times, parents are also concerned with the chance of any educational differences between a typical generic daycare program and a pre-k setting. However, generic daycare can provide as much of an educational day for your child as a pre-k program. The best day care programs are focused on providing your child with a day that will encourage cognitive, social, and physical development. It is important for families to keep in mind that preparing your child for elementary school does not always mean that you have to put your child into an exceptionally scrupulous academically based program. If your child’s daycare provider thoroughly cares for the development of your son or daughter, they will ensure that the daily routine for your child encompasses a strong emphasis on educational marks that are developmentally appropriate for your child.

As new parents, it is imperative that you and your significant other look at each type of program that is available in your area and weigh out your personal pro’s and con’s to each available program. However, when families are making their decisions, they must also include the location of each program in their pro/con list. Many times, you may feel rushed in the mornings as you get into a new routine with your child and you want to ensure that your mornings go as smoothly as possible which is why location is key. Each family may have a different opinion regarding the best child care and best preschool choices that will work better in the benefit for the schedule of the parents and the development of their child.

Preschool and Daycare at Young Scholars Academy in Colorado Springs.

At Young Scholars Academy in Colorado Springs, we want you to make the best childcare decision for your child and your family. But we also want you to check out our great preschool programs and stop by our childcare center. We will be happy to answer all your questions during your search! Contact us today!