Center-Based Day Care (Day-Care, Preschool, Nursery School)
Characteristics:
Child care is provided in an organized group setting away
from home.
Child usually must be at least two years old and toilet
trained. (A few accept infants.)
Most serve children 3 to 5 years of age.
May be commercial or sponsored by an organization.
Advantages:
Usually has planned, formal program of activities and
greater variety of play materials.
Caregivers usually trained and experienced in child
development.
Licensing is required, ensuring minimum health and safety
standards.
Usually less expensive than in-home care.
Your child receives the stimulation of other children.
Generally open 12 hours per day year-round and full- or
half-day schedules available (nursery schools usually
open half-days and closed same months as regular school).
Care is reliably available.
Hot lunches usually provided.
Caregivers are supervised directly.
Usually has outdoor play area.
Disadvantages:
Your child may be less comfortable in a formal group
setting than in an informal home environment.
May require year-round commitment even if your needs are
irregular.
May require a registration fee.
May not be available in rural areas.
Center hours and days may not suit your needs.
Child cannot receive care if sick.
Usually more expensive than family day care.
Depending on ages, siblings may not be cared for
together.
