Deciding Between Grandparent Care and a Daycare Center

Are you a new parent struggling with the choice between grandparent care versus a daycare center? Here are some things to think about as you consider that critical childcare decision.

Deciding on Childcare Options Near Me

In-home care is often an option for families either with a grandparent nearby or other relative who provides daycare, explains Penny Lupo, a licensed counselor who has 10 years of experience in childcare.  In many cases families choose these options for infants or toddlers due to the wish to have the child in a home setting rather than a group setting.  There is also often a shortage in openings for children under 3 years old due to the higher cost of providing daycare services for infants and toddlers. 

Considerations When Choosing Family Members for Childcare

Parents need to consider the availability of the grandparent, other obligations such as doctor visits or travel schedules, and the strenuous obligations of caring for young children.  Some families are able to be creative in work scheduling and rotate the child’s care with several grandparents or family members to get 40+ hours of childcare for no or low cost.  Be sure to balance the child’s need for structure and predictability as you explore these choices.

Often new parents choose grandparents for the family connection and bonding that can occur with them, and also because the cost of high quality center-based care is out of reach.  Sometimes only a grandparent can accommodate the hours needed for daycare such as weekends or evenings.  Once a child enters the busy preschool years (3 and 4 years old), grandparents and childcare centers or preschools often share the care and education. 

Benefits of Center-Based Childcare Centers in Syracuse Area

Childcare centers are often closed on major holidays and weekends and have a specific set of hours each day.  For example, Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Centers in Oswego, Fulton, Baldwinsville and East Syracuse are closed 7 holidays per year and open 6:30 am – 6:30 pm each day to accommodate the busy parent’s schedule.  The Pulaski NY Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare Center is open 6am – 6pm daily.

Childcare centers are focused on care and education and often require a minimum of a CDA or Associate's degree to be the lead teacher in the classroom. They are also regulated by OCFS and required to receive continuous education and training hours.  Childcare centers offer special holiday activities where families can be involved.  Group sizes follow the OCFS standards and several adults in the room care for children. 

Considering Daycare Options Near Me

As you consider childcare options, take a moment to tour the Little Lukes Preschool & Childcare center near me and meet the caring, credentialed educators.  Learn about the early learning curriculum and structured environment for school readiness. 

Penny Lupo has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and worked in childcare for more than ten years as a preschool teacher, program coordinator and center director.  She also has a masters degree in mental health counseling, is licensed by NYS as a mental health counselor and is certified by National Institute for Relationship Enhancement as a play therapist.  Penny currently works as a counselor with Integrative Counseling Services www.integrativecounseling.us in Oswego NY. 

Many parents struggle with choosing Childcare Near Me in Oswego, Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Fulton and Pulaski NY.  For more information on choosing a center-based childcare center near you, visit www.littlelukes.com and click Schedule a Tour.