If you have children, you probably need someone to care for them on a regular basis while you work. Most parents choose some type of daycare setting. Daycare centers can be housed in private homes or as separate commercial businesses. The difference between the two types of centers is relatively minor.
Types
Daycare is different from babysitting in that it typically involves care for more than one child who is not related to the provider. Daycare facilities must operate under an extensive set of state laws and regulations regarding the number of children per care provider, meals and facilities. Home-based daycare centers are located in private residences. Daycare centers are typically in nonresidential areas in commercially owned buildings. The location of the facility is the chief difference between home-based and center-based daycare.
Time Frame
The hours of operation of daycare centers vary by center. If a child is left in the care of a daycare center for 24 hours, the daycare center runs the risk of invalidating its license as that type of care is a separately defined legal category. Many daycare centers have strict policies regarding when children may be dropped off and when they are required to be picked up.
Identification
The legal definition of a daycare center varies from state to state. Any daycare center, however, whether it is home-based or a commercial center, must meet certain legal criteria to remain in business. Upon request, any daycare center must show you any documents necessary for you to determine that the center is operating legally and in good standing with the state. Such documents can include records of background checks on employees, facility inspections and business licenses.
Geography
A home-based daycare center may have the advantage of allowing your child to be with other children. Because it is based in a residential area, a home-based daycare center may be closer to your home, which can be especially convenient if you work near home. On the other hand, a commercial daycare center may have the advantage of being closer to your workplace, allowing you to reach your child quickly in the event of an emergency and spend more of your commute time with your child.
Considerations
When evaluating potential daycare centers, use objective criteria first. Find out what your state requires and make sure any center you are considering meets or exceeds those criteria. Only after all objective qualifications have been met should you consider subjective criteria.
