Daycare vs. Dayhome

As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to choose a place for you to leave your child so you can work. I spent 4 years managing a Dayhome. I will provide the benefits of both daycare and day home, really it comes down to what you want for your child. 

Dayhome 

A dayhome can be privately run or managed by the municipality. If run by the government the provider must register with the municipality and have some certification in childcare, CPR/First Aid, and a criminal background check. The home will be inspected for safety such as child safety locks, beds, cribs, toys, and meals. They also should be able to provide outside play either in their own fenced yard or a playground. Hours of operation are usually from 6 am to 6 pm, depending on the needs of the parents. The rules will vary in every municipality and province.

The provider must provide 3 meals a day plus snacks and should comply with the Canada food guide. They should be away of any allergies, food and others, and be provided with the knowledge of an epi-pen, or other allergy medicine. this should be kept in a locked place out of reach of children. 

The provider must only have a limit of 6 children in their care at one time. This will include their own children. They should not exceed this amount as the regulated ratio is one adult to 6 children, ranging from ages 2 to 6. They can provide after school care because the children would not be considered under full-time care. 

Providing a schedule will help make the parents and children feel secure. The provider can choose to implement language, art and music activities for the children in their care. A day home can provide your child with one on one time and help form close relationships, and is more of a home setting. You are not required to do so, but it can make the difference of the number of children who will be placed in your home. 

Daycare

If choosing a daycare you will find a much larger center. Usually, daycares will be separated into various rooms, each age group will have their own room. Example, infants up to 2, 2-year-olds, 3-4-year-olds will all be separated. This is to help provide the specific needs of each group within their developmental stages. Each group will have one to two providers, depending on the ratio of children to adult.

They are required by law to have certification in childcare or early childhood, CPR/First Aid, criminal background check and will comply with government regulations on square footage space provided. They should have a fenced outside play area with age appropriate toys for gross motor skills. 

Meals will be provided in most places, sleeping areas will be provided for naps. Most daycares will provide learning through play, such as art, water table, and sand. Children should be taken outside frequently, weather permitting. There also should be ample opportunity for each child to safely discover their surroundings. 

All daycares will be inspected yearly and will comply to all government policies, and regulations regarding its operation. 

With a daycare, your child will be exposed to many other children, which can provide a variety of friends and good experience. They will have more than one provider at a time who will help them with rules and safety. 

There are good and bad in every daycare and dayhome, ultimately it will be up to you and your child to choose what works best. Having a good fit for your child will make all the difference in their experience, and make you feel comfortable. Finding a safe place where they care about your child is the goal, its what we all want.