Requirements for daycare workers vary, depending on the position and the state regulations. In many states, teacher's aides need only a GED diploma to work with young children. Teachers might need an associate's degree in early childhood education, or occasionally even a bachelor's degree.
Private daycare centers or those associated with universities generally hire very qualified, educated staff members and offer regular professional development trainings. These teachers provide an enriched, nurturing environment not available in home daycare settings.
Low-quality daycare centers might not screen employees or provide good professional development training. A warm, nurturing in-home provider or nanny is probably a better choice in this case.
Parents who choose in-home daycare or a nanny usually have to find substitute care when the daycare provider is sick or on vacation. Daycare centers provide coverage year-round. Daycare centers are often open 12 hours or more per day, an important consideration for many working parents. On the other hand, turnover rates are often high in daycare centers because of low pay and poor working conditions. This creates unnecessary stress for infants and toddlers especially, who benefit from having one stable caregiver. An in-home provider or nanny can offer the nurturing, consistent care that young children need to thrive.
High-quality daycare centers offer excellent learning opportunities for young children. They provide literacy, art, music, math and science activities introduced in age-appropriate, playful ways. However, some daycare centers, inspired by the recent push for academics or lacking resources and experienced teachers, use inappropriate teaching methods, such as drills and worksheets. These practices can hurt a child's long-term academic growth. Select a daycare center that uses a research-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
Children in daycare centers interact with a variety of adults and children every day. Some daycare centers offer social skills training as well. These activities teach children how to share and communicate with others. On the other hand, a daycare center classroom is often a very noisy, overstimulating place. For some children, this is highly stressful and leads to aggression and behavior problems. Consider your child's temperament when selecting a child care situation. Shy, quiet or easily overstimulated children might do better in an in-home daycare.
Infants and toddlers need to bond with one consistent caregiver, and they often benefit from an in-home daycare situation or a nanny. They also suffer fewer illnesses in a smaller setting. Preschoolers can enjoy the social interactions and learning environment offered by a daycare center.
Regardless of your preference, spend some time selecting high-quality daycare. Call references, observe the classroom, ask lots of questions and trust your intuition.