Childcare options are a sensitive topic, fraught with class and financial issues. There is no hard data on whether daycare or at-home-care is better for children. Both options have pros and cons, including logistical hurdles. If the at-home caregiver is a nanny, economics will factor in; paying a nanny to take care of a single child is considerably more costly than sending one child to a daycare centre. The tables begin to turn, however, if you have two or more kids, in which case the cost of hiring a nanny may be similar to, or even lower than sending the kids to daycare. Debates also rage on what type of care is better for a child’s development. Daycare centers provide pedagogical activities and ample opportunity for socialising and learning to function in big groups. On the downside, daycare centres also offer up exposure to a cornucopia of germs and children in daycare are more likely to be sick often than children cared for at home. Those who favour nannies feel that a child will learn to socialise with large groups of people soon enough and that the individualised care a nanny can provide far outweighs any scheduled activities at a daycare center.
Dr. Sears
“Work with Mom or Daycare?”
"I still think that at this age, going to work with mom is better than daycare. Watching mom work will probably provide some good stimulation; you will notice that he is very busy checking out what is going on around him. You will also be able to hold him occasionally if needed." …read the full article
Children, Youth and Women’s Health
“Choosing Child Care”
“Different kinds of care suit different children and children at different ages. Parents need to think about the special needs of their own children and try to find the care that suits their family best.” …read the full article
Raising Children Network
“Childcare Types”
"Most families will need to rely on child care at some stage in their children’s lives. You may need just one hour a day, one or more days a week, all-day care for up to five days a week or even overnight care." …read the full article
NSW Government Department Of Community Services
“Choosing The Right Childcare For Your Child”
“All services should have written information available which covers what their educational objectives are and how they will be achieved, how parents can have day-to-day input into the programs and how each child’s individual interests will be catered for.” …read the full article
Careforyourkids.com.au
"Comparing Chidcare Options"
"Once you’ve understood the different types of child care available, you need to decide which option suits you and your child. Compare the pros and cons of differing types of child care, and consider." …read the full article
