When it comes to childcare, every family’s needs are different. A lot depends on your little one’s personality—things like how they handle being around new people and how adaptable they are to new situations— and then of course there’s your schedule, transportation, and how ready you are for your child to take that next step. So how do you know if it’s the right time to start daycare or preschool? And how do you find the right fit? We turned to the experts to help make your decision a little easier.
THE INS AND OUTS OF PRESCHOOL VS. DAYCARE
Daycares typically enroll kids age six weeks and older, offering parents full-time coverage, with hours before and after work. A traditional preschool setting is geared toward 3- to 5-year-old children to prepare them for a formal school setting.
Both options provide structure and learning along with play, and can offer instruction in world language, music, physical education and art for kids as young as 3. Tricia Velez, director of Wonder World Nursery School in Union, said a big focus is on hands-on experiences and purposeful play to build strong academic readiness and social-emotional growth.
Mary Diggan, director of Admission and Enrollment at Chapin School in Princeton, says many of the differences are logistical: daycares often have cameras in the room, while preschools do not. And because preschool-aged kids are generally in a school with other grades, they are exposed to older kids as well as the whole school community.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
There are many things to think about before making a decision, no matter which option you choose. Ask who will be with your child all day, what experience they have, how information will be communicated to you, and if the center is licensed or accredited. Find out what the daily schedule will be, what the dropoff and pickup times and procedures are, whether enrichment activities are planned, and how snack and mealtimes go. Pay close attention to health, safety, security and cleanliness guidelines.
“Make a wish list of the ideal features, then be sure to ask each school for a clear explanation of everything it provides, as well as the fees. Having all the facts and costs up front will help parents decide which option is the best fit for their family,” says Dharati Patel, franchise owner of Primrose School of Wayne, which offers both preschool and daycare programs.
New Jersey has a “kindergarten cutoff” of October 1, so your kid’s birthday could play a role in deciding, too. “It is important to keep the kindergarten start in mind when thinking of preschool classes and programs because you want to keep scaffolding and helping children build on experiences,” Diggan says.
Of course, you also need to weigh the cost. Preschool has limited hours so the cost is likely less, but hours are not compatible with full-time work schedules. Daycare is designed to give parents full coverage, both before and after work. The goal is to provide care that fits your schedule and meets your childcare and educational needs, Velez says.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY LEARNING
“Children start learning from the moment they are born, and research shows that 90 percent of their brain develops in the first 5 years of life,” says Patel. “For parents seeking centerbased care, partnering with a high-quality, well-rounded early childhood education provider is the first step to maximizing the power of a child’s first five years. When looking for high-quality early education, parents should consider early learning and care approach, proven results, learning environment, safety, parent communication and accountability.”
HOW TO KNOW WHEN YOU’RE (ALL) READY
Each family should look at their own schedules, consider their child’s interests, take note of their individual milestones, and recognize what makes them feel comfortable, says Diggan, who was previously the director of Early Childhood Education at Chapin, as well as an early childhood teacher for many years.
“Students who are used to a schedule, clear expectations, and practice following a few simple directions have the easiest adjustment when attending a preschool,” she says.
Patel says there should be a balance between cognitive, physical and social-emotional development.
“It’s important to remember that children are often more resilient than people think.” Diggan says. “As long as they are entering an environment that provides for their needs and makes them feel comfortable and cared for, they will adjust and love it.”
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