Looking for childcare can be overwhelming! There are so many options in the Wooster area–how are you going to choose?
Two popular childcare options are daycare and nanny services. Let’s see how these compare so you can narrow your options for the best childcare fit for your family.
Cost: Daycare vs. Nanny
The cost of a nanny obviously varies depending on the qualifications and experience of the nanny, as well as the city and state. According to CARE.com, the average cost of a nanny is $827 per week, which is $20.68 per hour.
Be wary of a nanny who charges below average prices; this could be a red flag that the childcare provided is poor! Especially since nannies operate in a private setting with less outside supervision or accountability, you could be putting your child at risk of incurring physical or sexual abuse or facing safety risks such as exposure to smoking, drugs, or negligence.
In contrast, the average daycare costs in Ohio are between $117-$257 per week. Care 4 Kids also accepts various forms of financial assistance from the Department of Job and Family Services, which nannies can’t usually accept. Contact our director to learn more about how to use financial assistance.
Safety: Daycare vs. Nanny
As previously stated, hiring a nanny can be risky, even if you hire from a reputable source or a friend you trust. There are some things you just won’t know about the nanny, even after a thorough interview, such as how they cope with anger or frustration, how much time they spend on their phone, or their driving skills and safety.
Hire a nanny from a reputable source or perform your own thorough interviews and background checks. Your child’s safety depends on your research!
In a daycare setting, there’s significantly less reason to worry about your child’s safety. At Care 4 Kids, we only hire qualified teachers who have undergone thorough background checks. Our staff receive several breaks a day, unlike a nanny who may not have any breaks. Our business policies protect children’s privacy and hold staff accountable.
Socialization: Daycare vs. Nanny
Socialization comes naturally in a daycare setting. Children are with peers all day long, learning foundational social skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives. Children in daycare know how to make friends with new teachers and kids, which helps them focus on their education.
While children can certainly be socialized with nanny services, this is a little harder to come by. Nannies, operating similarly to parents, must plan social activities for the child: taking them to the library, park, playgroup, or other activities. This can mean extra hurdles for you to jump through; for instance, you must provide the nanny with a car seat, pay for gas money, and sign your child up for activities.
At Care 4 Kids, your child will gain all the benefits of socialization without adding to your to-do list or finances!
Education: Daycare vs. Nanny
While your infant needs less intentional education time than a pre-K child, that doesn’t mean children can’t learn valuable concepts before the age of formal education! There are many ways adults help infants and young children understand the world around them through books, music, colors, art, nature walks, and so much more!
Pre-K and school-aged children need more supervision and guidance to ensure they are meeting standard education requirements. However, this doesn’t come naturally to every nanny. Some nannies are better than others at teaching, especially if your child has learning differences or difficulties.
Additionally, nannies may charge extra for providing educational services. They may have special certifications or experience levels that, while beneficial for your child, make them a more expensive childcare option.
At Care 4 Kids, we put a high priority on quality curriculum so every child is successful and meets educational milestones. We hire experienced teachers who engage children so they have fun while they are learning. Children at Care 4 Kids receive a well-rounded early childhood education so they are ready for kindergarten and beyond!
Younger children are included in our early childhood education, too! From infancy, we provide educational experiences that engage all five senses, encourage fine and gross motor skills, and, most importantly, are fun.
These educational experiences all come at no extra cost to you!
So, which is better, daycare or nanny services?
Ultimately, that decision is up to you. There isn’t a superior option because every family situation is different. Some parents prefer the one-on-one attention a child has with a nanny, while this isn’t a priority for other families.
With affordable prices, better safety and education standards, and abundant social opportunities, Care 4 Kids should be at the top of your childcare list.