Daycare & Preschool: is there a difference?

3 Main Differences between Preschools and Daycares:

When it comes to finding a school for your child, there is a lot to consider, but one of the biggest differences you will notice are whether they are called a preschool or a daycare. So, is there a difference between them, or is it all just jargon? If there is a difference, what is it?

Differences between Preschools & Daycares:

First off, yes, there is a huge difference between them. The main differences between a daycare and a preschool are where they are located. An In-home Daycare is located within someone’s home. The owner of the daycare resides within the home they operate the daycare from. A preschool is in a location that is legally zoned to operate a business. With that being said, there are also huge differences between the rules and regulations they need to adhere to, while running their business. A preschool has far more strict rules and regulations than an in-home daycare.

Here are three main differences you need to know:

In-Home Daycare:

1.    The operator and or teacher of the school only needs to be 18 years old.

2.    A small in-home daycare is a ratio of 1:8, with mixed age groups and a large in-home daycare, is a ratio of 1:14 with mixed age groups. Ages can mix. An infant or toddler can mix with preschool and school-age children.

3.    Loose visual supervision is allowed. If children are in one room, the operator or teacher can be in another room.

Preschool:

1.    The operator and teachers of the school needs to have specific education and experience (A teacher needs to have 12 units of child development classes and at least 6 months of teaching experience. 15 hours of Health and Safety training. A School director needs to be a fully qualified teacher and have additional course work in preschool administration and be CPR and first aid certified. Centers that require their teachers and directors to have a permit, require more education.

2.    Preschools need to maintain specific ratios at all times (1:4 ratio for infants, 1:6 ratio for toddlers, 1:12 ratio for preschoolers) and children are separated by age. Infants and toddlers under the age of two are not allowed to mix with preschool ages 2-5 years. School-age children are also separated from preschool children and infant/toddler age children.

3.    Strict visual supervision is maintained at all times. Children during operation hours need to be within eyesight. This is during playtime, curriculum, snacks/lunch, nap and bathroom time.  

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