If you have a little one who’s about to start their education, you’re faced with two options: daycare and preschool. With both types of organizations dedicated to the well-being of your child while preparing them for kindergarten, the differences between the two can be confusing to a parent. If you’re wondering which is best for your child, here are a few things to consider.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Preschools tend to operate more in the manner of regular schools. They have shorter hours than daycare, they’re closed on holidays, and have long breaks during the summer and winter. Most offer half-day and full-day programs to choose from and require children to be enrolled for at least two days per week. Daycare, however, is more flexible and cater to the needs of working parents. They open early and close late, making it easier for parents to drop off and pick up their children before and after work. Their flexibility allows them to remain open throughout the year and makes it easier to personalize your child’s schedule to meet their and your needs.

EDUCATION

It might seem that preschools are geared toward meeting the educational needs of children, while daycare is more dedicated to watching children while the parents are at work. However, this isn’t always the case. Some organizations offer daycare services that are geared towards preparing the child for kindergarten. THE Children’s Academy, for instance, is a preschool daycare in Franklin,TN, that provides a safe learning environment where children get the hands-on early education they need to prepare them for the scholastic challenges that lie ahead.

THE AGES OF THE CHILDREN

Daycare centers have very little prerequisites when it comes to age. Daycare is an option for children to play, interact and learn, while parents are away at work all day.  They provide an opportunity for children to interact with children in their age group. Preschools usually accept children from 3 to 5 years of age and will often separate them into different classes. This gives educators the ability to craft their classes to better fit the corresponding age groups, the children themselves won’t often mingle except for recess or other play times activities.

EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS

If you’re afraid that sending your child to daycare will take away the benefits they’d get from a preschool education, don’t be. Preschools and daycare are both licensed and regulated by the same departments in every state. Often watching children for longer hours, many daycares are still dedicated to ensuring the children are fully prepared when it’s time to enter kindergarten.

If you like the appeal of a daycare environment that features the adherence to educational standards that are important in a child’s development, contact The Children’s Academy. Their daycare and preschool in Franklin, TN, is nationally accredited, and provides a safe and happy environment where children can thrive. Using literacy as the basis for all learning, their skilled and caring staff introduce children to the wonders of books, giving them a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. When you’re ready to give your own child, a jump start on school, give THE Children’s Academy a call today!

2 convenient locations: Preschool in Franklin, TN. and Preschool in Spring Hill, TN.