Obviously I'm partial to home daycare...I mean, I did leave my career as a child and family therapist to open my own. I've had my own children attend home daycare, as well as a daycare center for a very difficult month (we won't get into that though because I'm not here to bash). With so many options to choose from, from nannies or family members to daycare centers to home daycare, parents often face the difficult task of choosing what arrangement will fit their and their children's needs and budget best.
When I returned to work after being a stay at home mom for 6 years I felt daunted by the concept of choosing who was going to care for my young children. They had never even experienced being babysat, never mind having to share the attention of a caregiver with multiple children. I lucked out though, and had not one but TWO friends that owned home daycares within a few mile radius of me. Personally knowing who was caring for my children only added to the blessed feelings I had of having my children cared for in a loving home environment. But I understand that not all parents are fortunate enough to personally know the person or people that are caring for their little ones prior to enrollment. That's one of the reasons I created this website, to give parents a small peek into who I am and see part of what my daycare is about.
There are many factors that come into play when making the decision as to where your kiddos will be cared for while you're away. Environment, convenience, caregiver to child ratio, cost...each factor being more of a priority than the others depending on personal preference and situation. I have compiled a list of what I feel are the benefits of choosing home daycare. There are plenty of sites out there that that focus on the "versus"...that is not what this page is about. Instead, I'd like to provide somewhat of a snapshot of why home daycare is a beneficial option for the care of little ones.
* FLEXIBILITY- This is probably one of the biggest and best benefits of home daycare. Need 3 days instead of 5 and don't want to have to pay for a whole week? Was Grandma supposed to watch your little one and now she can't at the last minute? Have the summer off and only need partial-year care? There's endless scenarios that can take place when you have children and not having to worry about scheduling is a huge benefit for parents.
* UNDERSTANDING- Often home daycare providers are parents themselves. Who better knows why the right color sippy cup is soooo important or why your toddler HATES his pasta today but has eaten nothing but pasta alllll week??? Parents get it...we sometimes lose the argument with the 3 year old, we understand why the stuffed animal has to be laying in the bed BEFORE the bedtime story, we know the magical healing powers of kissing boo boos. There is comfort in knowing that the person who is caring for your child while you're away has walked in your shoes, understands your struggles, and relishes in the same joys of being a parent. Typically a home daycare provider isn't fresh out of high school, has a degree in a related field, and understands the ins and outs of raising children.
* SUPPORT- It's hard leaving children to go to work. It's hard balancing said work with dinner, housework, and actually getting to spend quality time with the people we do it all for. Having your bottles sanitized for you, not having to worry about putting daycare linens through the laundry each week, and knowing that your child is getting individualized attention each day can make a world of difference. Your home daycare provider is not just there to sing songs or "babysit." We are here to provide love and support for your child and your family, comfort your little ones when needed and praise them often, educate them and get them prepared for school...the list goes on and on. Home daycare providers provide a second home for your child, offering them what they need each and every day in a comfortable and familiar setting.
* PROVIDER- Home daycares are often staffed by one person. This person becomes your child's go-to when you're away...their person for praise, direction, learning, bonding, and support. And children learn that their "person" is not going anywhere. Children in home daycare do not have to worry about turn-over or being moved to a new classroom when they "age out," constantly getting used to new people that will care for them. This stability and consistency creates an ideal environment for bonding and trust, which is the foundation for learning. Home daycare providers and the children they care for often develop an individualized flow...a sort of partnership that helps ease any anxiety that often occurs in children when they are away from their parents and, again, creates a scenario that is ideal for trust and learning.
*HOME ENVIRONMENT- When my children were in daycare I loved that they were going to an actual home every single day. My middle daughter used to love wearing her older sister's dance costumes, and that's how she went to daycare ALL THE TIME. And that was okay, because I knew she was going to a relaxed environment and could change later in the day if she wanted to. Children in home daycare have the advantage of learning in an environment they are already comfortable and familiar with...they get to eat in an actual dining room most of the time, they get to cozy up on an actual couch most of the time, they get shown love and affection inside of a home...all which is what they're used to. Parents and home daycare providers are also better able to build a collaboration between both homes and develop their own partnership, which is key to helping children meet their milestones in a healthy way.
Whichever setting you choose for your child is a personal choice and, ultimately, is what's best for your child and your family. My goal is not to persuade you either way, rather, to provide some information on the option of home daycare and be available to answer any questions you may have.