Is it safer for my 2 y.o. in a public daycare or have an individual babysit him, if I don't know either one?
Answers:
The first poster is an arsehole. Now that that's out of the way....
I would opt for a daycare center, the aides and teachers all have criminal backround checks, and many of the larger centers also provide video and audio monitoring. I have worked in daycares for 3 years, they are by far not the most hygenic place, but the children benefit greatly from an early age because they are able to socialize earlier, and most centers are accredited which means the have lesson plans that they must follow, along with daily basic routines, which make life at home a hell of a lot easier. I would personally go to 3-5 of the larger centers in your area and ask to observe for 15 minutes or so, you can also bring your child in and see how he/she interacts and if they get very upset. Back to the germ exposure, you and your child will get sick (I am not going to lie to you) but in the long run it will help your child build immunity for when he/she goes to school. Don't get me wrong daycare providers try very hard to keep things sanitized and clean, but with numerous kids playing, sneezing, putting things in mouths it is only natural. I hope this helps you. Oh and please do not listen to jerks like the 1st poster, I completely understand that not all families have the ability for mom to stay home, and sometimes just to keep your sanity your must work and interact with other adults. I was just lucky enough to have my children in the same center with me, so I could spend time with them, and nurse my baby on breaks.
Other Answers:
i would feel more comfortable with my child being in a daycare because there are more people to watch him, which also seems like it gives less of a chance for abuse. while if one person is watching your child at home you wouldn't know what was going on.
Daycare coz they have permits to run. I dunno what it's like in US, but here (UK),anyone who interacts with lil kids has to be police checked (except babysitters), so you'd probably be better off leavin him at daycare centre, also that way, he'll probably get all the childhood diseases out the way as a child (chickenpox, measles etc.) and maybe learn to make friends earlier.
A public daycare is probably more safe, as long as it is official. An official, legal daycare has the eye of the government under them. If even the toilet seats aren't clean enough, the entire daycare is impounded. It's no question that the daycare is definitely better.
If it was me, I would buy one of those hidden camera things and set it up in my home and monitar the babysitter on it. That way you could keep track of what was going on, which is something that you can't do with a daycare. I know that daycares run background checks before they hire people, but you do hear about some horrible people managing to get into places like that anyway. Also, your child would be less exposed to germs and it would probablly be less expensive. It's a tough decision though, good luck to you!Ignore that @$*!&# that answered previously. Obviously they have no people skills or brains.
I faced the same dilemma with my young child a couple of years ago. I found that if you find a GOOD public daycare, it is better than a private one if you don't really know the person. Public daycares have strict rules about how they can interact with kids. For example, they are not allowed alone in any enclosed space or room with a child. The schedules are usually regimented, and there are other children to play with and learn social skills with.
Of course, the bad part is that these centers can sometimes have too many kids and lots of germs go around, but I feel they are better than private daycare.
There are pro's and con's with both, but I like the idea of a day care facility. I know that they are regulated more heavily than in home day cares. The germ exposure will be about the same, but it all depends on how diligent the school or teacher is about hand washing and disinfecting. Once the child is potty trained, they are used to washing their hands more and the passing of germs should lessen. Also, as they get older, they build immunities and they immune systems grows stronger. But when I first put my daughter in preschool at age 2 - it seemed like she was always sick, but now at 3 1/2, she is much better with not getting colds as often. my 2 year old is in public daycare. it's just a little more rough than it would be if i had her at home. she absolutely loves it though! she has friends there that are her own age and they all learn from each other. good and bad things of course, but they're kids ya know? plus, it gives me a little break! my 2 year old follows me around the haouse as i clean it and makes a mess behind me. LOL!
I have always used a licensed individual who does home daycare. There's fewer kids (generally 5 or less) and it's more homey. Do a home visit and trust your intuition. If you're not comfortable with the provider or the atmosphere then make an excuse and head for the door. I've had 2 different sitters for my kids (due my job change, not anything with the sitter) and it's been a wonderful experience. Some prefer the big daycare centers. I prefer the homey atmosphere of a private daycare. Explore both. No matter what you choose, it's going to be difficult for you to leave your precious one for that first time.
Probably the daycare just because there are more people and most of the time they have cameras in the classrooms. You can ask to the footage of how his or her day went.More Questions & Answers...
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