Center Based Childcare

Pros and Cons

Pros: 

1. Affordability:  It is one of the most affordable types of childcare out there.

2. Your child is cared for in a controlled environment with many adults present. Less risk of one care provider abusing your child.

3. Daycare centers must meet minimum state regulations.

4. You don't have to open up your home to anyone.  

5. Your child will have more of a chance to socialize.

Cons:

1. Your child will be sick much more often.

2. Inconvenient.  Packing baby supplies, bundling kids up in the winter and getting yourself ready for work can be difficult.

3. High Turnover.  It is a fact of life that daycare centers pay their employees very low wages.  Consequently, turnover is high.  If consistency in care providers is important to you, this may not be the best option.

4. If your child is very ill, daycare centers will not allow your child to attend.  You will need to find alternate care or be prepared to take days off from work.

5. Many daycare centers dictate when your child should be off the bottle, pacifier, take naps etc.  If the idea of someone else calling the shots with your child's routine turns you off, you may not like this form of care for your child.  On the other hand, some parents like the idea of the daycare center doing the "dirty work" and appreciate someone else getting their toddler to give up his comfies.

6.  If your work hours are longer than the standard hours of operation for the daycare center, you will need to arrange for drop off and/or pickup by either a family member or another childcare provider.