Daycare, Preschool, And Pre-Kindergarten: Does Your Child Need It?
Until your child reaches the age to start attending kindergarten, you have options as to how they spend their days. If you do not have to work or if you have family members that can care for them when you are at work, you do not have to worry about daycare. However, you may find that having them attend a preschool or pre-kindergarten is a good idea. Here is some information on the different options for your child when you have to work.
Daycare
A daycare center may be as simple as a person who babysits in their own home. In general, you will use these places while you are working or have other things you need to do and cannot take the child. The centers must follow strict rules as far as their home environment and the number of children they may care for. While the daycare provider may work with the children on simple learning skills and they will learn some social etiquette, nothing is really structured. This is a good place for infants and toddlers.
Preschool
Preschool facilities are more structured than daycare centers. They usually have some type of regular curriculum the children follow each day. Of course, the children will still spend a good portion of the day playing, but it is often a guided, learning play. The children will be separated into different classes according to age and skill levels. The center is often in its own building, with different rooms for each class. This can be a good option if your child has always been home with you or a family member and you want to start getting them used to being away from home and socializing with other children. You may choose to send them there when you are working or even send them a few days a week when you are home. It also helps them begin to learn a school-like structure.
Pre-kindergarten
Most public and private schools now offer pre-kindergarten classes. These classes are often only half a school day long. They are structured very similarly to a kindergarten class as far as learning and socializing. If you have not sent your child to daycare or a preschool, it is a good idea to send them to prekindergarten to get used to how things work once they are in school full-time. In addition, the teachers in a pre-kindergarten class are licensed teachers. If your child has any learning difficulties, the teachers will recognize them. This allows your child to get any special instruction help as soon as possible so they may stay with the rest of the children their age throughout their school years.
Leaving your child with strangers is never easy. While a daycare center is not a necessity if you have care at home, a preschool may be considered for socializing. Pre-kindergarten is always a good idea to help your child get used to the whole school atmosphere slowly.
Contact childcare services near you to learn more.