In home daycare vs center

I've always had DC in a center, but I'm growing tired of my center and there aren't many other options for a center around where I live (I'm not in LI.) I've never considered a daycare in someone's home and I'm just looking for feedback. I have a 19 month old and 3 year old. I'd like to keep them in the same place.

Pros, cons, anyone try both and have a preference?

Re: In home daycare vs center

I've only had DD in a center for 3 weeks now, but the reason I went with a center was I felt secure knowing someone would always be there. With a private daycare, I was concerned if the main caretaker was sick, would there be coverage. That was the main con for me. I also like the curriculum that is in place at day care centers (well, most that is. I ended up changing over to a chain and I'm much happier). So I'd just check with whomever is the caretaker to see what she does in the event she is sick or can't watch the kids for a day or two.

Just go with your gut!

Re: In home daycare vs center

I don't have any experience with a in-home daycare. A friend of mine had her daughter at one and loved it (in NJ).

I do like that the daycare is licenced and I can look up any violations, they have some kind of a curiculum and must follow rules. Some teachers have to be certified to administer meds, there are several teachers so DS doesn't get attached to just one just in case someone leaves or is sick, etc.

Re: In home daycare vs center

Someone had posted something siliar not too long ago and I had responded on there (I am a licensed in home daycare provider)....

There were many responses that may be helpful to you

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic.aspx?&P=1&ID=480490&Highlight=daycare#P5693445

Re: In home daycare vs center

And another ( just a bit older )

http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic-308561-1.html

Re: In home daycare vs center

I've used centers in the past. My good friend used an in home daycare provider. Here are my reasons for not wanting to use in home daycare in the future - there are children of varying ages in one place, therefore your child isn't socializing with others there age. At 3 years old, it is hard for the in home provider to do a preschool curriculm. Also, you need to know if they have back up - this lady's heat was out one day, so she was closed, she has 2 weeks of vacation in her contract - so if you don't have anyone else to watch your kids, you will have to use your vacation time, and she has more closed holidays then a center. Also, her hours weren't as long as the center....
But overalll, the biggest for me and having a 3 year old would be the socializatioin and the preschool aspect of it.