When the time comes to enroll a child in an age-appropriate program, parents find themselves with a huge decision to make. They are looking at Childcare vs Kindergarten and doing all the research to ensure they are making the right choice, one that will benefit their child for years to come.
With so many questions that may arise (consider the licensing, the educational program, and the overall reputation of the organization), parents need to be well-informed on the schedule and curriculum of the program that they ultimately choose.
Let’s take a further look at Childcare vs Kindergarten so that when it comes time to make this all-important choice, parents have all the information needed to ensure that their decision is the right one.
1. Childcare vs Kindergarten: Key Difference
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Childcare refers to an institution that provides care and supervision to infants and young children in the absence of their legal parents.
Kindergarten is a type of preschool for children from three to five years of age. In some places, it denotes the first year of schooling and focuses on five-year-old children. However, the usage of the terms varies from country to country.
Childcare allows parents to leave their children in the custody of some responsible people. These people take good care of the children without their parents. Childcare can also be referred to as nursery or child care. Childcare also provides all the amenities required to take good care of the children. The workers of these centers provide guidance to the children in daily living and recreational activities. They are also responsible for the physical care of children.
For the kindergarten, it is custom-made to suit children of this particular age. Generally, the teachers need to be certified in elementary education to teach in a kindergarten. Unlike childcare, a kindergarten does not focus much on child care. Kindergartens are more education-oriented. The classes in a kindergarten follow the concept of an elementary school. They usually operate during normal school hours.
2. Childcare vs Kindergarten: Length of Programmes
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Childcare centres usually provide more diverse services. Most centers provide a full-day program from 7 am to 7 pm so that working parents can be assured that their child is well-taken care of. Some centres also offer half day programmes from 7 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 7 pm and flexible programmes.
Kindergartens, however, comprise sessions between 3 to 4 hours each day and typically has two sessions per day. The exact timing may vary from kindergarten to kindergarten.
3. Childcare vs Kindergarten: Holidays
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Childcare centres typically close on Sundays, public holidays, and staff training days. Kindergartens differ in that they follow the same holiday dates as primary schools. This means that kindergartens will close during the 4 school holidays in March, June, September, and November – December.
4. Childcare vs Kindergarten: Meals / Naptimes
Childcare centres will schedule meals, snack times, and nap times for your child. A consistent routine is important and beneficial for young children and their “body clocks” as it helps them to sleep better at night and eat healthy full meals.
Since kindergartens have shorter class days, they usually do not provide full meals like breakfast and lunch that Childcare centres tend to offer. Instead, light snacks in between lessons are given. Naps are also not factored into the day for kindergartens.
5. Childcare vs Kindergarten: Cost
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Childcare centres have longer hours and charge fees monthly, as compared to kindergartens that charge by the term. Due to the longer hours, childcare centres typically charge higher rates. For parents who want a more budget-friendly option, kindergartens may offer a better choice.
Childcare vs Kindergarten: Comparison
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Kindergarten |
Childcare |
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| Definition | Kindergarten denotes a type of preschool. It generally focuses on five-year-old children. | Childcare refers to an institution that provides supervision to infants and young children in the absence of their legal parents |
| Origin | From German Kindergarten, literally “children’s garden” | From Old English dæg “day,” also “lifetime,” + Old English carian, cearian “be anxious, grieve; to feel concern or interest” |
| Advantages |
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| Types |
In a few countries like India and Korea, kindergarten classes are divided into two categories –
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Childcare centers can be divided into two categories: Non-profit daycare and For-profit daycare.
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| Hours | Generally, full day | Generally, for a few hours |
| Types of activities | Age-appropriate developmental activities | Subject-based activities to promote the academic skills of children |
Which is better for your child?
Given these differences between Childcare vs Kindergarten, it is important to choose a learning environment that is best suited to your child’s individual needs. Besides researching the different curriculum approaches, you’ll probably also want to consider the centre environment or speak to the principals and teachers, by visiting the preschool in advance.
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