Finding the right childcare can be a complex decision. The family should consider the available options carefully and then choose the situation that best suits their needs. Some children will thrive in a daycare center or daycare home, while others do best in the security of their own home. Childcare in the family home can offer several benefits for everyone involved.
Ease Morning Routine
In-home child care will allow the parents to get up and get ready for work without worrying about the additional task of preparing a child for daycare. The parents can sleep in a bit longer since they won't have an added step of a daycare center or daycare home to add to the commute. Inclement weather will be easier to navigate without the precious cargo of a child aboard. A parent can eat on the go or grab a snack to eat in the car and won't have to deal with diaper bags and lunches for their child.
The child can sleep in later, and the nanny or caretaker can help him dress, fix his hair, make his breakfast and get him started on his day. The child will have more freedom in what he wants to eat, instead of being forced to eat what the other children would be eating in a daycare situation.
Germ Avoidance
Child care offered in the parent's home will help prevent the spread of germs that can be prevalent at daycare centers. When the child is sick, the nanny or caretaker will still be able to provide care. In a daycare situation, the parents would need to scramble to find a sick child a different daycare situation or to find someone to come to the home to stay with the sick child. A child who has low resistance to germs will be better off at home.
Schedule
A child who is cared for in her home will have individual attention from the caretaker, whereas a daycare situation might entail a dozen or more kids all vying for the teacher's attention. The child will be secure in her home surroundings when parents leave, and will have her own toys to play with.
The schedule can be set up according to the parents' and child's wishes. If a parent wants the child to take classes during the day in dance or gymnastics, or if the child has an appointment, the caretaker can accompany her as needed. The parent won't have to take off work.
Flexible Hours
If the parent has unpredictable work hours, an in-home situation can offer flexibility that a daycare center can't. Most centers have set hours and charge expensive fees for late pickup. Caretakers can be arranged around the necessary hours. Additional caretakers can be arranged for special evenings to help cover when a parent is working late. A nanny can be available during weekend business trips or during other travel situations.
