Agonizing over Homecare Vs. Daycare

I went through the same internal struggle with this decision. I finally moved my daughter when she was 25 months from her in home care taker. It was very hard at first, she cried everymorning at "school" (we don't call it daycare, we call it School) for about the first month. She would cry for less and less every day the teachers reported. She is now 32 months and doing awesome. I believe it was the best decision I could have made. The structure worked well for her. She has learned her ABCs, Numbers, Shapes, Colors and is even going on the Potty now. We still also go and visist her old care taker once in a while. No matter what decision you make, there will be an adjustment period and you will feel awful, but everything gets better with time.

Hi H.!

It sounds like your child is in a loving environment. I am assuming that she also has friends to play with since the childcare person has other children that she watches? What else does she do in childcare? I bring and have brought both my girls to homecare and they have kids their age to play with along with structure and things that are done throughout the day (i.e. coloring, alphabets, numbers, etc). My older daughter started half day preschool and LOVED it. This year she starts kindergarten and cannot wait. I think you know your child and your situation best. It sounds like either decision will be right for your child. If you decide to keep your daughter in the homecare remember there are other options for group play. Also, think about - aside from what time to eat, drink, nap what kind of structure are you looking for at 16 months that you cannot work with childcare on providing? Good luck!

From my own experience, I'd keep your daughter where she is if she also gets interaction with other children. Does this homecare provider have others in the home at the same time? Social interaction is important at that age but so is personal attention. As long as she's going to playgroups or spending time with other children, let her benefit from the personal attention until she's 2. At that point a larger arena like daycare would be a better fit. There is no wrong decision, just timing questions.

I agree with what Teresa said.

Hi H.,

As an owner of a daycare center I can totally understand your dilemma. I have had so many children come to my center after attending a private home care center and they have transitioned beautifully. There is no guarantee there will not be tears but I think the longer you wait the more difficult it will be to make the break. Giving your children the first year of their life with one on one attention weather it be home with grandparents or in a private home care situation is wonderful. At your daughters age children are ready to play with their peers, have a routine, and begin learning through play. There are so many wonderful things that can come from going to preschool that I would not feel bad for taking her from her present caretaker. You will be giving your daughter the best of both worlds. The opportunity to get such personal care her first year and now the opportunity to grow and learn. If it is a good center your daughter will also feel loved and nurtured but in a different way. I am not sure if it is an option but I like to have new children attending my center to transition in a little at a time. The week before they begin full-time they come for half hour visits and it really does help with the transition over. I know this is a tough decision to make but I say do it now while she is this young. Good luck!!

I mostly agree with what the others said. My son has been in both settings. I think I would keep her in the in home situation until she's about 3 and then give her 2 years at a good daycare before she begins kindergarten.

I am trying to find a loving, nurturing, home care provider in Carthage. Does anyone have anyone they can refer me to? I am new to the area and have a one year old. I start working on Sept 1st. Every recommendation I've received so far has been full. I don't know what to do.