If you are a new parent, choosing between preschool and daycare may seem like a rather difficult decision at first. Not only do you want to make sure your child gets the most out of the program, but you need to find something that fits into your schedule as well. In this article, we will point out some of the noticeable differences between preschool and daycare programs, and highlight why preschool is a better option for your child’s development.
The Hours
Preschool
Preschool hours are set up similarly to grade school hours. This can help provide grade school readiness, preparing your child for the schedule that they’ll face later on.
Daycare
Daycares don’t follow a typical school schedule, meaning that the hours may not line up with those needed by parents. This irregular schedule is also likely to cause children difficulty adjusting to grade school hours later on.
The Curriculum
Preschool
There are many benefits to the academic preschool curriculum, as its name implies. It is a precursor to grade school, meaning that academic preschool programs will focus more on the introductory skills a child will need when entering kindergarten. This can greatly benefit them in the long run, as it’s been proven that children who don’t receive a good preschool education have a tougher time reaching success down the road. In fact, around 60% of at-risk children who do not attend preschool do not go to college either.
Daycare
While some daycare centers do provide some form of education, they mostly just act as a safe environment in which parents can drop their children off when they are busy with work or other responsibilities. Daycare centers allow children to socialize with others without parents having to rely on a nanny. They do not, however, provide children with the necessary academic building blocks for success.
The Age Groups
Preschool
Preschools typically serve a set group of toddlers ages three through five. It can vary, depending on the center, but that is the general consensus. This allows teachers to formulate their curriculum around the age groups, thus providing a better education.
Daycare
Daycare has a wider variety of age groups from young toddlers to elementary school aged children. This means that the curriculum may be less structured, as the varying age groups need to be taken into consideration and activities adjusted accordingly.
When it comes to choosing preschool or daycare, the choice ultimately depends on your own personal situation. It is important to know how the two vary so that you can make the best choice for you and your child.