Daycare and Early Childhood Education programs like Preschool are crucial to kids' development, but they can be difficult to understand for some parents. Especially when the terms "daycare" and "preschool" are used interchangeably, it's easy to feel confused and frustrated.
Regardless of which term you choose, there are some key factors that can help make the decision between one type of care or another much easier. Read on to learn more about the most important differences between these two popular childcare options and how you can best decide which is right for your family.
The DAYCARE Program
Daycare programs generally focus on providing basic care for children, such as feeding, diapering, and supervision. These programs may also offer some basic educational activities, but they are typically not structured, or curriculum based. The daycare center usually provides meals and other services like diapering and potty training but may not have a schooling curriculum.
Early Education Program: Preschool
In general, preschools focus on teaching children, skills that will prepare them for kindergarten. These include language and literacy skills, social and emotional development, and academic learning. They typically offer a mix of play-based and structured learning activities, and teachers have specialized training in early childhood education.
The Benefits of Early Education Program for Kids
Studies show that quality ECE programs improve a child's ability to succeed in school and in life. They help to prevent children from falling behind in school, being placed in special education, and developing health problems. They are also a key to reducing crime and reliance on public assistance in later life.
A well-rounded daycare environment will provide a wide range of educational experiences and learning activities to meet the individual needs of children. This includes opportunities to interact with teachers and other students in group settings, hands-on learning through sensory play, and plenty of outdoor time.
At Nowtech Academy, we offer both daycare and early education programs for families looking for quality care and education for their children. Whether you choose daycare or early education programs, it's important to find a program that aligns with your family's needs and values. Our preschool program is designed to prepare children for success in kindergarten and beyond, focusing on building skills in areas such as language, literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development.