Childcare Centre vs Kindergarten — Do You Know The Differences?
When the time comes to enrol a child in an age-appropriate program, parents find themselves with a huge decision to make. They are looking at preschool vs. childcare centres and doing all the research to ensure they are making the right choice, one that will benefit their child for years to come.
With so many questions that may arise (consider the licensing, the educational program, and the overall reputation of the organization), so parents need to be well-informed on the schedule and curriculum of the program that they ultimately choose.
Let’s take a further look so that when it comes time to make this all-important choice, parents have all the information needed to ensure that their decision is the right one.
1. Key Difference
Childcare refers to an institution that provides care and supervision to infants and young children in the absence of their legal parents.
Kindergarten is a type of preschool for children from three to five years of age. In some places, it denotes the first year of schooling and focuses on five-year-old children. However, the usage of the terms varies from country to country.
Childcare provides an opportunity for the parents to leave their children in the custody of some responsible people. These people take good care of the children in the absence of their parents. Childcare can also be referred to as nursery or child care. Childcare also provides all the amenities that are required to take good care of the children. The workers of these centres guide the children in daily living and recreational activities. They are also responsible for the physical care of children.
For the kindergarten, it is custom-made to suit children of this particular age. Generally, the teachers need to be certified in elementary education to teach in a kindergarten. Unlike childcare, a kindergarten does not focus much on child care. Kindergartens are more education-oriented. The classes in a kindergarten follow the concept of an elementary school. They usually operate during normal school hours.
2. Length of Programmes
Childcare centres usually provide more diverse services. Most centres provide a full-day program from 7 am to 7 pm so that working parents can be assured that their child is well-taken care of. Some centres also offer half-day programmes from 7 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 7 pm and flexible programmes.
Kindergartens, however, comprise sessions between 3 to 4 hours each day and typically has two sessions per day. The exact timing may vary from kindergarten to kindergarten.
3. Holidays
Childcare centres typically close on Sundays, public holidays, and staff training days. Kindergartens differ in that they follow the same holiday dates as primary schools. This means that kindergartens will close during the 4 school holidays in March, June, September, and November — December.
4. Meals / Naptimes
Childcare centres will schedule meals, snack times and nap times for your child. A consistent routine is important and beneficial for young children and their “body clocks” as it helps them to sleep better at night and eat healthy full meals.
Since kindergartens have shorter class days, they usually do not provide full meals like breakfast and lunch that Childcare centres tend to offer. Instead, light snacks in between lessons are given. Naps are also not factored into the day for kindergartens.
5. Cost
Childcare centres have longer hours and charge fees monthly, as compared to kindergartens that charge by the term. Due to the longer hours, childcare centres typically charge higher rates. For parents who want a more budget-friendly option, kindergartens may offer a better choice.
Comparison between Kindergarten and Daycare:
Definition:
Kindergarten: Kindergarten denotes a type of preschool. It generally focuses on five-year-old children.
Daycare: A daycare refers to an institution that provides supervision to infants and young children in the absence of their legal parents
Origin:
Kindergarten: From German Kindergarten, literally “children’s garden”
Daycare: From Old English dæg “day,” also “lifetime,” + Old English Carian, cesarian “be anxious, grieve; to feel concerned or interest”
Advantages of Kindergarten:
- It involves learning through play-based methods.
- It helps in building a child’s confidence.
- A fun-based environment helps in fast learning.
- They offer various activities which stimulate and engage a child’s mind.
- It prepares the children for primary school.
- It helps to develop social skills.
Advantages of Daycare:
- Daycare centres are often inspected to ensure the quality of the care provided to the children.
- Generally, they are less expensive than hiring a nanny.
- Staff members are usually trained and professional.
- They aim to provide an organized and structured form of care.
- Are available for various age groups of children
Types of Kindergarten:
In a few countries like India and Korea, kindergarten classes are divided into two categories –
- Lower Kindergarten — for the children between three to four years of age. Focuses more on play-based activities.
- Upper Kindergarten — for the children between four to five years of age. More inclined towards the education’s side.
Types of Daycare:
Daycare centres can be divided into two categories:
Non-profit daycare and For-profit daycare.
- Non-profit daycare centres are often run by local governments like municipalities.
- For-profit daycare centres can be operated by any individual or group. However, most of the time, a license is required to start daycare.
Hours
Kindergarten: Generally, full day
Daycare: Generally, for a few hours
Types of activities:
Kindergarten: Age-appropriate developmental activities
Daycare: Subject-based activities to promote the academic skills of children
Which is better for your child?
Given these differences between Childcare centres and Kindergartens, it is important to choose a learning environment that is best suited to your child’s individual needs. Besides researching the different curriculum approaches, you’ll probably also want to consider the centre environment or speak to the principals and teachers, by visiting the preschool in advance.
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