Pros and Cons of Home-Based Child Care

If you are just starting your childcare search, you may be overwhelmed with all the different options available to families. One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you are looking for a larger daycare center or a smaller home-based daycare. While each option has its own benefits and drawbacks, here is what you need to know when considering in-home daycare. 

Pros of Home-Based Daycare

Smaller Staff

In-home daycares typically consist of one group of children of various ages. Since there are fewer children than a larger daycare center, there may be only one or two providers. This means your child will see the same familiar faces each day and can develop a close relationship with them. 

More Familiar Environment

Since in-home daycare is located in a portion of the provider’s home, it can be a more cozy and familiar setting. Meals are often prepared in the provider's home kitchen, and there are other elements of home life that may help ease the transition into childcare for some children.

Cheaper (usually)

In-home childcare tends to be less expensive than a larger daycare center. Since the program is run out of the provider’s home, things like rent and utilities don’t need to be factored into the tuition.

Mixed age groups

In a home daycare setting, there may be infants, toddlers and preschoolers in one group depending on the size of the program. With a mixed age group, the older children gain a sense of pride from helping to care for the smaller children. The younger children also benefit from having the older children to learn from. In this way the children become like a little family, with younger and older sibling relationships. 

Cons of Home-Based Daycare

Mixed age groups

Yes, mixed age groups are listed as a benefit above, but they can also be a con for some families. If your child is the only toddler in a group of infants or the only infant in a group of preschoolers, they won’t have any same age peers to socialize with. When you are speaking with programs in your area, be sure to ask about the age range of the children. 

They are Hidden Gems

Since in-home daycares don’t have the big advertising budget of a larger program, they may rely on word of mouth. You typically have to do more research to find the programs in your area. Asking in local facebook groups and checking sites like Winnie can be a great way to find home-based childcare near you. 

Less Flexibility

In a smaller in-home daycare, you aren’t able to switch classrooms or teachers if you are unhappy. Typically it is just one or a few providers with one group of children. This is why it is important to do your homework when choosing in-home childcare. Be sure to read reviews from other parents, ask for references and check the programs licensing page to make sure they are in compliance with state and local guidelines. 

Like any parenting decision, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of all your options. At the end of the day, you know your child best and with a little research you're sure to find the perfect childcare setting for your family.