The Past, Present, and Future of Educational Materials

Are preschool and other types of child care the same? You are ready to return to work—and you're not sure which type of program to choose. If you're not sure where to start your pre-return to work search, take a look at what you need to know about preschool programs and daycare and which option you should choose.

Do You Really Need Child Care Right Now?

Whether your maternity leave is almost over or you've decided to transition from stay-at-home parent life to working parent life, you will need some form of child care help—even if you plan to work from home. While a work-from-home arrangement can cut down on your travel time and costs, you can't work and care for your child at the same time. This means parents who work either out of the house or in the house need to choose preschool, daycare, or a similar type of program.

Are All Early Care Options the Same?

Simply stated, no. The most popular choices are daycare centers, preschools, and nannies/babysitters. Each option has pros and cons for working parents and their children. To understand these pros/cons, you may need to know more about what each option includes. These are:

• Daycare centers. Also known as child care centers, this option provides a safe, nurturing environment. Most of these centers operate on a full-day, full-week schedule.

• Preschools. Some preschools are part of daycare programs, and others are independent. A preschool may have a more academic type of curriculum than a daycare or a specific educational philosophy, such as Montessori.

• In-home care. Nannies and babysitters provide in-home child care services. These may also include weekday, weekend, or evening care for children of parents who work non-traditional hours. 

You may also hear other versions of the out-of-the-home child care terms, such as early childhood education programs, early learning centers, pre-kindergarten, or pre-k. If you're not sure exactly what the program's title means or what type of care the center offers, talk to the director or educational staff.

Which Option Is Right for Your Family?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The decision to choose a specific type of care over another may depend on:

• Your work schedule. A part-time preschool center may not meet your work-day needs. But if you find the perfect program, and it doesn't have a full-time option, you could combine child care choices and hire a nanny/sitter for non-preschool hours. 

• Your educational goals. Do you prefer a philosophy-based option, such as Montessori pre-k? These goals will guide your family's choice. 

• Your child's social development. While nannies and babysitters do offer some degree of social interaction, this isn't on the same level that you would expect from a daycare classroom.

Along with these points, consider your personal preferences and comfort level. You may need to tour centers and schools or interview potential sitters before you can fully understand what each option includes and how you feel about the child care choices available in your area.