Daycare Vs. In-home Childcare

I would go with In-home childcare, with out a doubt. But, you have to be very picky. My husband and I visited over 20 places (centers and in-homes) before we picked ours and my children LOVE it. The ratios at centers are outragous, and if you want your little one to get any one-on-one attention, or learn anything, they are not going to do it in a center. For a 3's class, you generally have 2 teachers (most of the time) and 30 children. That is state regulation. There is just no way that any two people can meet the needs both emotionally and educationally of 30 children. My advice is to find an in-home center that only keep 1 age range. For example our provider only keeps 2-5, and she does a full pre-k curriculum. That way all of her attention is focused on meeting the needs of that age group, and the children are socializing with others close to them. I would definitely ask any provider about their experience, references, and policies and procedures. You also want to find out what all they offer. Are they actually providing curriculum and functioning like a preschool? Or just babysitting your child? If you are anywhere near Virginia and 75 in McKinney let me know, I have a wonderful provider!!

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I used three in home providers and three centers. For a baby - up to about 2 - I recommend an IHP. After that, I recommend a good center. If you're shopping for your daughter, I'd want to know the policies on medication, discipline, termination, and the educational philosophy. One is not necessarily better than another - but you want to make sure it aligns with yours.

The success rate for the providers I used was 1/3. In each group, one was WONDERFUL, one was HORRIBLE, and one wasn't good.

I recommend searching TXDPRS's site, looking at the reports, and checking for violations. Then go to the place (IH or Center) and talk to the provider, talk to some of the parents. Look at the outside play equipment, the dining facilities, watch the interaction.

S.

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Jessica,
My name is A. and I am an in-home childcare provider. I believe that it is ALL based on the teacher. You may not like the thought of a daycare center, however, the teacher you REALLY want is there, then I say go for it. However, I went back to in-home care because of the struggles with too many children and not enough adults. I just do not care for the center based care, however, there are some GREAT teachers out there. If you are looking for either I would say ask lots of questions. Ask what their qualifications are, do they have a degree, or are they accredited? Give them an example of a situation and ask what would be done discipline wise to remedy that situation. Make sure that the ratios are within reason and look around to check the environment for safety and supervision issues. Ask about curriculum, at 3 yrs. your daughter should start to know colors, shapes, weather, and begin numbers. Is there a second language?
One of the reasons that I prefer in-home is because there is such a big turn over in centers. With in-home you have the same teacher for years. Rather than 1 year at a time, if your lucky. It is ultimately your choice which way to go, just ask alot of questions! If you have any questions or would like to talk just email me. My website is www.ambersangels.net

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My kids have been day-care center kids since they were infants.
I would not consider an in-home daycare at all. Period.

Other than the state there is no one to check up on them. How do you know what goes on during the day? At a daycare center there is always someone looking over everyone's shoulder. How can they teach my 4 year old anything when they're taking care of infants and toddlers too? And if they have infants and toddlers, what are they doing with them while they spend time with the pre-schoolers? Seems like someone is inevitably going to lose out.

As far as individual care in a daycare - my kids have ALWAYS felt loved. My 4 year old recently moved up to a new class and we have to go to her old class twice a week (dd's request) so she can hug her favorite tacher. We've had a couple of bad teachers here and there, but the beauty of a daycare is that we addressed the issues with management and they were solved; we didn't have to put our kids through the trauma of moving them to a whole new place.

Learning - my 4 year old is learning sight words and can write her name, my name, dads name, brothers name, and a few other words. My 6 year old is in the private kindergarten program at the daycare. He's reading 1st & 2nd grade chapter books, as are 3-4 other kids in his class. He's also doing addition, subtraction, and science.

Sorry if I sound defensive, but I am so tired of hearing that I'm letting other people raise my kids by putting them in a daycare; or that they aren't getting appropriate attention in a daycare. My kids have always been in daycare - and they are thriving!! It completely depends on the daycare facility you choose. Do your homework, visit unannounced, talk to current parents. If you do all that and are convinced it's a great place, it probably is!

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Jessica,

I have been a registered in home daycare provider for over 16 years now. I have poured my heart and soul into the children I have kept and I am offended by the comments I heard on here. You all have no idea about inhome childcare until you have walked in those shoes. Jessica, if you would like for me to call you about my business, I'd be glad to share with you the joy of in home childcare.

L.

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