Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

Hi ladies, prego here with a Daycare question. We're between 2 daycare options- a daycare center and an in-home daycare provider. This will be for our 3 month old next summer.

The center seemed great, lots of security, they give you a written-out rundown of everything that happened during the day with your baby. However, the baby room is 4 to 1, so 8 babies to 2 providers. I don't know, that seems like alot for 2 people to handle. Their program seemed great for a toddler/3 year old. And they charge you for holidays and vacation time- so same cost every month whether you use it the whole month or not.

In-home care- very caring environment, more individualized attention. The provider watches a toddler and 3 year old now, and will have those plus 2 infants (mine and another) to watch if we use her next summer. And it may not even be all on the same days. She seemed great but her cost was almost as much as the daycare center, however she seemed much more flexible- vacation would only be half pay and she works with you on sick days and such.

Can anyone offer advice between these 2 types of environments for a baby? Thanks!

Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

I just feel like there is safety in numbers. I prefer a center over a home...less of a transistion when my son goes to school as well. I call it school already for him!

Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

First of all, just so you know, the 4:1 ratio is a state mandate, and perfectly normal in any daycare

I have had DS in both types of daycare... sort of. From 3 months to 13 months he was with a nanny (my sister). He got lots of one on one time with her, was coddled and hugged constantly, and loved like no one else. He thrived and did very well.

At 13 months we moved and put him in a day care center. We also had the option of an in-home daycare but preferred the more classroom-like atmosphere of the center, the fact that there was security and (more) accountability, and that there were tons of people there at all times, so I didn't have to worry about staying home if a teacher was out sick.

DS is working on his 2nd cold since being there (it's been 2 months). That's pretty much my only complaint. But that was bound to happen anyway, no matter where he went - it just seems like it's going to happen more often since there are those parents who insist on sending their kids to daycare sick

I am able to have DS there part time since he is over 12 months but DD will be there full time. Luckily, the price difference is not much and I like that she'll be getting accustomed to that environment early on, so that the transition is easier as she gets older. It took DS a good 2 weeks to get used to going to daycare and during that time it was heartbreaking.

I am finally comfortable with my decision to put DS in a center (although it took a while to get to this point ) and I would not have it any other way. His teachers adore him and he loves playing with the other kids all day. Plus the programs they have for the older kids are great, and I love the idea that he'll grow with the center.

Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

i was in your situation and i chose in-home.

My provider only watches my DS and her 14 month old granddaughter.

Every working Mom I asked said that daycare center = constant sickness, and that's what ultimately made my decision.

I couldn't be happier with her. You can't beat the individualized attention and I love that she genuinely cares for him.

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Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

im going through the same exact thing now

DD will have to be in either daycare or with a nanny starting the first week of january. we found 2 daycares, have to go check them out. we also have someone who would watch her fultime. shes 21 but a certified EMT and teaches religion classes so knows children.

its such a toss-up to me. im leaning towards nanny until shes 1 because I dont know about her being sick all the time at such a young age.

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Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

My experience with a day care center was wonderful. DD was in the center from 7months to 2.5 years (she's almost 3 now). Sure, she had a few colds after she started but it builds up immunities. She's never sick now. She has had one sick visit in almost 2 years! {{knock on wood}}

She learned to share and play with others very well at a young age. There was the safety in numbers factor too and the fact that she had a set curriculum every day. Day care centers also have so many different toys, crafts, etc for them to experience. She never watched tv there and wasn't even interested in it at home until about 2 years old.

I did use an in-home care provider part time until I enrolled my DD in the center. My beef with that situation is that DD was ALWAYS sitting in her carrier whenever I got there and the TV was always on. There was a report recently that in-home care providers rely on tv up to 2 hours a day, and they say that could be underreported.

Study

No matter what you chose, make sure you are completely comfortable. Do your research. There are great in-home care providers and there are shady day cares centers too.

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Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

I would say In-home daycare!

I also think there are huge misconceptions about in-home daycares because some of them are like schools, which is important when your child gets older (about 2).

When your child is younger, I would choose in-home over a center as well.
I would not go with an unlicensed provider though! Do your research on them first.

NY State does not take it easy on licensed day cares and the inspection for a home is no different then that of a center.

My in-home day care has to have certifications (like CPR), time clocks, menu's (w/in NY guidelines), all files up to date (vaccinations), she posts calendars, has a pre school program, etc.

We pay for holidays but only the major one she takes off (not the school schedule). She has NEVER been closed and never had a staffing issue in the 2 years I have been using her.

Just keep an open mind and follow your gut. I was about to enroll DS in Tutor time and when I found his current school I seriously thought God answered my prayers LOL, I am not j/k.
Research is key!

Message edited 11/30/2009 5:56:56 PM.

Re: Daycare center vs. In-home daycare

I myself am a NYS registered in home family daycare provider (currently on an extended maternity leave)....

I think it really depends on personal preference and that both should be researched before you make a decison..

I would say about 50-60% of all the children I have cared for in the past, were in a center prior to enrolling with me...Some of these children did not adjust well in large settings and parents were looking for something more personalized or with less of a staff turn-over (which is a common complaint I have heard)...I think much of it depends on the child and the personality of the parents as well..

As a PP said, licensed in-home daycares must follow some very strict guidelines set forth by NYS and undergo inspections just as centers do...

The downfall to a home-vs-center is of-course if the provider ( or her own children) are ill, and they do not have an available substitute ( we are required to have 2 substitutes that have been fingerprinted and background checked by NYS), the burden can fall on the parent to find back-up care...

A "good' in-home daycare should have a curriculum, a very well outlined handbook, and references available to inquiring parents...

Congratulations & Good Luck with whichever you decide !!