If you’re having trouble choosing a childcare option, you’re not alone! There are many quality childcare options in the Wyomissing area. There are many factors to consider, such as:
- Location
- Cost
- Availability
- Schedule
Let’s take a look at how daycare and home childcare compare.
Location: Daycare vs. Home Childcare
Everyone has different preferences for an ideal location. Some are willing to drive further, while others prefer the closest option possible. Neither of these is right or wrong–it’s all about what works for your family situation.
Learning Ladder is conveniently located next to Berkshire Mall, which gives you plenty of options for shopping, groceries, and restaurants. You can’t go wrong with our location!
Cost: Daycare vs. Home Childcare
As private businesses, daycares and home childcare settings alike can charge a variety of prices. In Pennsylvania, the average cost of childcare is $1,008 per month. Typically, infant care is more expensive than school-aged care because infants need more supervision than school-aged children.
As you inquire into each business, you will find a spectrum of prices. But be wary of childcare that charges under average prices; this could be a red flag that the childcare provided is poor.
Availability: Daycare vs. Home Childcare
It can be hard to find a daycare or home childcare with availability! This is especially true of infant age groups since infant classrooms are capped at 10 children.
Typically, daycares have more availability than home childcare options. This is because home childcare options can only provide care for about 10-12 children.
In contrast, daycare classrooms have higher ratios. This means you’re more likely to find available childcare in a daycare like Learning Ladder.
Schedule: Daycare vs. Home Childcare
Daycares can maintain a consistent schedule because they employ multiple staff members. Learning Ladder is open Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM-6 PM. This is extremely beneficial to families because it means reliable childcare.
In contrast, home childcare is a little less dependable. What happens if the provider is too ill to provide care, needs to meet a family emergency, or takes a vacation? You must find outside childcare–sometimes at the last minute’s notice. While this is not to say home childcare providers are generally reliable, there’s peace of mind knowing that daycares like Learning Ladder will always be available to take your child!
Additionally, home childcare may not have the 12-hour childcare window that Learning Ladder does. While this may not be a problem for some families, Learning Ladder’s flexible time window allows you to take that early or late shift, run an errand before picking up your child, and not stress if you’re stuck in traffic.
So, which is better, daycare or home childcare?
Ultimately, that decision is up to you. There isn’t a superior option because every family situation is different. Some parents value the intimacy of home childcare and that children of all ages play together, while this isn’t as important for other parents.
At daycare, your child has opportunities that home childcare doesn’t provide, such as field trips, quality curriculum taught by teachers, and same-age peer interaction.
With a convenient location, affordable prices, better availability, and dependable childcare, Learning Ladder should be at the top of your childcare list.