Advantages of Placing Kids in Home Daycare
Benefits of Family Childcare Programs for Kids
Nov 29, 2008
An estimated 17 percent of infants and toddlers and 14 percent of preschoolers are cared for in home daycare programs, also referred to as family childcare, or family daycares. And for parents who are squeamish about placing their children in large childcare settings, smaller daycares can be a breath of fresh air, as there are many benefits to this type of care.
Children Get Individualized Attention
The child-adult ratio in a home daycare is low, generally between four and seven kids -- so it’s not hard for the childcare provider to give the children in her care the individualized attention they need to thrive. This is particularly important when providers are caring for infants, as they are demanding and require a lot of care. The smaller size of a family daycare program also makes it easier for the provider to cater to special care instructions for youngsters.
Kids Remain in a Stable Environment
Children who are enrolled in home daycare programs generally stay with the same provider until they shuffle off to preschool. There is no employee turnover, so kids don’t have to adjust to different caregivers every few weeks. Having one provider gives youngsters a sense of stability and enables them to develop a genuine bond with the caregiver, as well as the other kids in her care.
Children are Cared for in a Homelike Atmosphere
With the exception of being cared for by relatives, family daycare is the next best thing to being at home. Unlike the large institutionalized feel of large childcare centers, the environment of a home daycare is warm and inviting to children and parents alike. The atmosphere is controlled and kids have access to all the comforts of home. The homelike environment of a family daycare minimizes behavior problems, and is a great option for kids who don't fare well in large environments.
Home Daycares Offer More Flexibility for Working Parents
Parents with erratic work schedules have a hard time finding large childcare centers that are willing to allow a little wiggle room with pick-up and drop-off times. In a home daycare, the decision to extend business hours is left up to the provider, so they are often more flexible and willing to compromise with parents who have fluctuating work schedules.
Children Get Sick Less Often in Family Daycare Programs
Daycare centers are breeding grounds for germs. The more kids enrolled in a program, the more germs there are. One advantage of a home daycare is that the smaller size reduces the number of illnesses spread to children. The providers of home daycare programs are better able to monitor kids’ hand-washing practices, which helps reduce the spread of germs.
Typically, a home daycare provider is more meticulous about cleaning and sanitizing because the daycare business also serves as her family’s living space. When children are sick less often, parents don’t have to lose income or risk getting fired for missing too many days at work.
Home Daycares Are Less Expensive Than Large Daycare Centers
Family daycare programs can charge less for their services because the providers don’t have the burden of paying building overhead, employee payroll or any of the other costs associated with running a large childcare center.
Knowing the advantages of placing kids in home daycare programs can help families decide if this type of childcare option is right for them.
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