As children grow, parents begin to consider preschool and daycare as options for childcare as they go to work. Often, this leaves parents with a huge decision to make as they search for an age-appropriate program. With the right research, you can find a program sure to benefit your child for years to come. 

That’s why it is crucial to know that your child is in good hands. You want a school that you can trust, where your child can grow and have fun. However, it’s essential to understand the reputation and programs of the organization. 

It’s normal for questions to swirl in the mind, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Below, we take a closer look at the differences between preschool and daycare to help parents make an informed decision.

Every Child & Family Has Different Needs

When it comes to preschool and child care, every family has their own unique needs to address. Ultimately, the goal is to find a school that benefits your child, and every child is unique. Moreover, every child develops differently. 

While no children’s program is one size fits all, there are options, such as our Montessori Program, to consider. Over the first five years of a child’s life, their brain grows and develops constantly. In fact, this is when our brains develop the most. 

That’s why it’s vital to provide positive experiences to your child. In these formative years, developmental milestones are critical. As a parent, you know your child best, so you know what they need to thrive. 

It’s up to the program to meet those needs. 

The Benefits of Daycare

One of the most obvious reasons parents choose daycare is because they need to go to work. Still, there are benefits to consider. One key benefit is that daycare allows your child to socialize with other kids. 

Socializing is crucial for both growth and development. It provides them with time to practice their social skills. As a result, children develop more confidence in interacting with others. 

Additionally, daycare gives children a base level of structure during the day. It provides them with a routine to follow as they grow. Moreover, children can learn the importance of friendship and relationships as they engage throughout the day. 

Often, children form close relationships with peers and caretakers, which is beneficial to everyone. 

The Benefits of Preschool Programs

Between preschool and daycare, parents don’t always know what to expect from a preschool program. Luckily, these programs are not intimidating. In fact, they provide children with several benefits. 

First, these programs are an effective way to prepare a child for kindergarten and school life in general. Often, students who attend gain an advantage in their early school years. This advantage stems from the fact that they learn more words and gain a sense of security in their ability. 

Overall, children who attend preschool develop reading and math skills more quickly than those who do not. This establishes a stronger foundation as they enter school. 

Preschool and Daycare: What’s Right for Your Child?

In some cases, parents use the words preschool and daycare interchangeably. However, that’s not quite correct. While both offer solid advantages, it’s essential to understand the difference between these two types of programs. 

In a preschool program, the goal is to develop pre-academic skills. The program focuses on the educational needs of the child to prepare them for development in early education. 

Generally, daycare provides more of a service to parents during the day. The focus here is more on free play, games, and other activities. With both programs, your child has a safe, secure environment to develop social and academic skills. 

Saint Nicholas School & Early Education

At Saint Nicholas School, we believe that every child deserves the best possible care. That’s why we focus on educating the whole child, helping them grow from a young age. With a strong educational foundation, we set our students up for success in the future. 

It’s common for parents to have questions as they consider preschool and daycare. We encourage you to schedule a tour of our campus to learn more about our programs.