|
My children started daycare at a group in-home daycare and when we moved 4 months ago they switched to a daycare center. We have seen that both kinds have their weak and strong points.
What we liked about the in-home daycare is that the boys got to be together all day and that they had the benefit of learning from older children, not just their peers. They developed a strong bond with their caregivers and the other children, because they didn't move from room to room based on age and all grew together. My oldest started when he was 9 months old and went to daycare with the same group of kids until he was 3. They didn't change staff that often or kids, so it was like he had more siblings to grow up with. I also liked that Sean was included in activities with the older ones: trips to the park, to the pool, to the library. He really flourished in that environment. They loved going there and rarely fussed about going.
When we moved, it was really hard to decide on a daycare since we didn't exactly know when we'd be here or what our hours would be. We found a really nice center and the flexibility of the program appealed to us. We only have to pay for the time they are there, unlike home-based daycare. They have a preschool program, so we don't have to go to 2 different places for the boys. The class size is fairly small and adequately staffed. I like that the caregivers are focused on the kids and don't have to do all the chores that home-providers have to do (make meals, clean up, etc.)
The boys adjusted fairly well to be seperated, it helps my older son feel like a big boy, going to "school". Sean is doing well with his peers. They did hold him in the infant room until he was 18 months old, because he isn't transistioning from baby food & bottles and still takes 2 naps a day most days. He moved into the young toddler room a week ago and is doing alright so far. They are really helping with the food situation and adjusting his sleep schedule. I'm glad he's in with kids his own age, even though he can't walk yet.
It's a tough call to make, really the decision is based on finding someone who can really give your child the attention she needs. Good luck with your search!
__________________
Deborah, mama to Aidan (11-15-02) and Sean (9-4-04)
|
Email This Page to a Friend!
Show a Printable Version
03-13-2006 01:04 PM
). If you do choose a centre then find out what their rules are about moving up classes. A couple of centres that we've looked at would not allow kids to graduate from the baby room until they walked (that would have meant Callum at 27 months would have been in a room with 3-12 month olds) and some will not take kids over 3 unless they are potty trained.
