The Best Age to Start Daycare or Preschool: A Guide for Parents

Hello there, fellow parents! Since you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about enrolling your child in preschool or daycare but aren’t sure if they’re ready. The truth is, it’s very subjective. There’s no one size fits all answer, as each child is a unique individual. However, we can share some general guidelines to help you decide.

Factors to Consider

Here are the main things to think about:

Age and Development

Many experts say waiting to enroll your child until 12 months old is best. Why? Babies younger than a year are still developing an all-important immune system and may be more susceptible to germs. And don’t forget, being separated from you for hours at a time might be tough on those little hearts. But, some parents enroll their children at only a few months old. The decision is up to you. We do recommend speaking with your pediatrician about the pros and cons.

Work Schedule

If you and your spouse work full-time, daycare is a necessity rather than a luxury. Working parents often enroll their children earlier than parents who stay at home or work part-time.

Personality

We all know just how special our young ones are. They are developing individuals with their own personalities and traits. And while some kids can adapt and take things in stride at a young age, others need more development before they can do the same. Separation anxiety is a real thing. So if you suspect your little one may need to adjust gradually to being away from you all day, try sending them for a half day or a few hours and work from there.

Facility Quality

We cannot stress the importance of the daycare facility. Ask about the child-to-staff ratios, activities, and curriculum during your first visit. It helps if you connect well with staff. In short, ask questions and trust your gut.

Benefits of Daycare & Preschool

If you still can’t decide if daycare or preschool is right for your child, consider these important advantages.

•       Social Skills – Kids who get an early start connecting and socializing with others do better in a school environment later on.
•       Brain Boost – Mental stimulation and intellectual enrichment help your child develop reasoning and creativity skills.
•       Professional Care – Trained caregivers provide peace of mind. It’s calming to know your child is in good hands.

Whether or not you enroll your child in daycare or preschool is a personal choice. But just remember all the growth and development benefits your child will gain, as well as your work schedule, budget, and your child’s personality, before making a final decision.

Discover The Jupiter School: Where Your Little One Can Flourish and Learn

At The Jupiter School, we are proud to provide excellence in child care to our community. Our compassionate, well-trained staff wholeheartedly commits to giving your precious child the finest care and education.

Our wide range of engaging programs and activities nurture your child in body and mind. Our curriculum is based on early, cutting-edge child education research and is supplemented by cultural enrichment classes in arts, music, and physical education.

We love seeing your child joyfully interact with others as they learn and grow. Come see us and you’ll understand why we love what we do, and so will you!

Contact The Jupiter School today to learn more about our programs and schedule your visit. We know you’ll be happy you did!

Published on May 30. 2023 / no comments.