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Quality, Licensed Family Childcare
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About Family Child Care:
There are important differences between family and center-based child care. As a mom who chose family child care for my own children, and now as a family provider myself, it would be easy for me to list just the many advantages that I find in the family child care setting. However, I think the child care experience is better for everyone when parents weigh the pluses and minuses of both and then make a decision they feel comfortable with. Some of the differences are:
Number of Caregivers – In family care, the child has the benefit of bonding with one care provider, which establishes a sense of security. In center care, there are usually a number of providers, and the child’s provider will likely change as the child grows older or as the center experiences employee turnover. Because there are multiple providers, a center is less likely to have to close because of illness or vacation.
Age groups - In family care, children are usually in a group of mixed ages. Siblings are not separated. Children learn from those who are older, and learn to help and be sensitive to those who are younger. In center care, children are grouped according to similar age.
Toys/Equipment – In a child care center, there are usually more toys and equipment. In family child care, there may be fewer of these, but the smaller group setting allows for the provider to offer items that interest individual children.
Learning – A child care center will usually have more of a school-like setting and classroom environment with more structured learning and schedules. A family child care will have a “home-like” setting and will usually incorporate more free play. The value of free play is now recognized as very important in a child’s development and education. Educational toys (blocks, puzzles, letter games…) are provided. Many providers also incorporate educational activities into their programs. The schedule will be more flexible and adaptable to the needs of the children in care.
These are just some of the differences. You may find others. Overall, when we selected a family child care for our children, our overall thought was that children have precious few years just to be children (and sadly, we were right.) I liked the fact that they could curl up with a favorite blanket on the couch in the morning and decide on their own when they were ready to start their day, or could take a rest whenever they wanted to. It was also important to us that they bond with the person who was caring for them while we were at work and that she would be a stable and consistent part of their lives. We felt that they were in an environment that would help them develop the skills they would need when the time came for school. Our sons both hit the ground running in school and have done well.
This was our experience and we wouldn’t change it, but each parent will need to consider the choice between family child care and center care and make the decision they feel is best for their child.
