| Nanny vs. Public Daycare By Denise Heiskell Owner, Family Friend Nanny
Studies show that children under the age of five, develop best when they have one primary caregiver (other than the parents) during the majority of their day.
Pros/Advantages of a Nanny
Personal care/relationships – One-on-one care for your children is always a plus. It can mean that babies are held and enjoyed for being babies, not just to stop their crying. Trusted love and care – Parents can choose the Nanny that best fits their family/lifestyle vs. Daycare centers that are staffed by whoever is available. Control – Parents have control over the values that are taught to their children. A
Nanny can teach and re-enforce the rules and values of the home. Fewer illnesses – Nannied children are healthier as they are not exposed to as many germs. Sick care – A Nanny can care for your children if they are too sick to leave
the home. Convenience – Your children are cared for in your home, no need to wake, dress,
collect/pack or transport your children. Flexibility – If necessary, a Nanny can come early or stay late vs. daycares that have permanent “business hours.” Long term care – Most professional Nannies stay with a young growing family for
many years. Increased intellectual development – A Nanny can effectively teach your children and focus on your children’s strengths rather than the general interest of the group. Child activities/exercise – A Nanny can arrange play dates, activities/classes, doctor/dentist appointments and run household errands. Everyday with a Nanny could be an adventure! Increased home efficiency – A professional Nanny can assist with light housekeeping, children’s laundry and meal preparation. Cost – The cost of having a Nanny for two or more children can be less than a public Daycare Center.
Pros/Advantages of a Daycare Center
Cost – A public Daycare Center is the most affordable means of outsourcing the care of your children. The cost is usually about half of that of a Nanny. Safety – A Daycare Center must meet the minimum safety and sanitary standards.. Hours of operation – A Daycare Center has set hours. Supervision – Daycare Center workers are supervised. Socialization – In a Daycare Center, your children are exposed to other children of
the same age, although some Daycare Centers mix the age groups together.
Cons/Disadvantages of Hiring a Nanny
Cost – Nanny care is expensive. A Nanny’s weekly salary can be twice the cost of a
public Daycare Center. The cost becomes more affordable when the Nanny cares for more than one child. Hassle – Unless you utilize a Nanny agency the task of recruiting and securing a
highly qualified Nanny can be difficult. Back up care - Unless you utilize a Nanny agency, finding a suitable substitute in your Nanny’s absence may be difficult. Lack of privacy – As the relationship between you and your Nanny grows, both of you
will learn things about each other and a relationship will develop. Whereas in a
daycare, you can be anonymous as you want.
Cons/Disadvantages of a Daycare Center
Lack of individual attention – The child-to-adult ratio at most Daycare Centers is usually
8:1 for infants and 12-15:2 for toddlers and preschoolers. In particular for
infant groups, it is impossible to care for every infant on demand. Some babies
will cry until busy hands are freed from caring for other babies. This con/disadvantage gives parents, children and the daycare workers the most anxiety. Lack of Personal Connection – The staff at a Daycare Center usually does not get to know you and the rest of your family on a personal level. Sickness – With more children there will be less attention to
hygiene. With illness being so prevalent in Daycare Centers, must be picked up immediately and can not return for at least twenty-four, symptom-free hours in effort to avoid infecting the other children. It is normal for children to frequently spread germs to one another. Accidents – Accidents, falls and biting are common incidents due to the child-to-adult ratio and the inability to watch each child at all times. Turnover – Generally a classroom may go through several teachers per year. Most
Daycare Centers have a part time/afternoon staff to relieve the early morning workers. Lack of convenience – Closing times, school holidays and weather closings can
create problems for the parents work schedule.
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