Daycare Centers, Preschools and Early-Learning Centers: Important Differences

The terms "preschool," "early-learning center" and "daycare" are seemingly used interchangeably. Is there any real difference? How much can 3 and 4 year olds actually learn anyway? And how do you decide what's right for your child?

First, any place that advertises itself as a daycare is just that - a place where your children are cared for over the course of the day. As logic would seem, there isn't much attempt at teaching and learning at a place that advertises itself as a daycare. If there was - they wouldn't call themselves a daycare facility.

There are certain centers that offer preschool or pre-K programs. How are these pre-K or K-4 programs different from other preschool centers? Well, they're funded by the state and have curriculum standards. Whether the teacher is actually able to get through the curriculum is an entirely separate consideration. Keep in mind, that because they're funded by the state, and require at least an Associate's degree, the teachers are better paid, which may lead to better results.

In my opinion, a rose by any other name is still a rose - whether you call it a daycare, a preschool, a learning center - there are things inside that matter more.

1. The ratio of group supervisors as opposed to assistant group supervisors:
A group supervisor is someone working in the facility who has at least an A.A. or A.S. They are typically paid slightly more and obviously have had the benefit of at least 2 years of college. This is sort of a catch-22. While someone who holds a degree and makes more money may be better with your children, the opposite can also happen. Someone with a degree, stuck working for relatively low wages in a daycare center may not be so happy about their situation. It's important to talk with your child's potential teachers and find out about their long-term and short-term goals as well as where they came to the center from.

2. Yes that's right I said teacherS:
Not teacher. The legal ratio for 3 and 4 year olds is 1 teacher to every 10 children. As if it isn't hard enough to keep tabs on your 1 preschooler, daycare teachers are supposed to keep tabs on 10 of them. If there are not at least 2 teachers in any given room, no matter how many kids there are - it's a bad sign. Make sure that the center is sufficiently staffed. If they're understaffed now - they won't magically be fully staffed later. In fact, it's more of the opposite. When a center is understaffed, teachers get frustrated and leave.

3. What are the other children like?
While you would think that the teachers and your child are the most important in the center, it's important to realize that there are other people there. What are the other children like and how do they behave? While every child throws a temper tantrum every once in awhile, some are prone to it.
Do you really want your child in a classroom with Little Miss Cries A Lot or Mister Bitey Face? Probably not. While you can't access records of other children's behavior - you should always be welcome to come visit in your child's classroom. Pay attention to the signs. If one child tries to dominate the teacher's attention or is always causing drama, maybe that's not the place you want your child to be.

4. The little things:
Little things mean a lot. While they may not be enough in and of themselves there are other little questions to ask about the program. Do the children do art projects? Do they learn words in another language? Do they practice counting and saying the alphabet? Do they learn their phone numbers and addresses? Are certain activities optional? Is the program secular or faith-based? How often do the children eat? Do you get a copy of the lunch menu beforehand? Are you allowed to send lunch and/or snacks for your child when the meal is something you don't want your child to eat?
Transitioning from being at home or at a close family member or friend's house all day to being in a daycare with several other children can be difficult for you and your child. While you'll probably be worrying all day the first few days - you can make it easier for your child by knowing the answers to these questions.

Finally, there is the realization that all parents need to come to. As scary as it may be, if you're looking at preschools, your baby isn't quite a baby any more and it's time to start preparing for the rest of your child's life. Picking a good preschool early on is just one of many steps in your child's path to greatness.