Question By: Daycare and preschool overlap in some ways, but their core purposes differ. Here's a breakdown:
Age:
Daycare caters to a wider range, typically infants up to 6 years old, sometimes offering after-school care for older children. Preschools usually focus on 3- to 5-year-olds, preparing them for kindergarten.
Focus:
Daycare prioritizes childcare, providing a safe and nurturing environment with basic routines and playtime. Preschool has a more academic focus, introducing pre-reading, math skills, and social-emotional development through structured activities and learning experiences.
Curriculum:
Daycare may have a loose play-based curriculum that encourages exploration and socialization. Preschools often follow a more defined curriculum aligned with early childhood education standards.
Schedule:
Daycare offers flexible hours, often full-time or part-time schedules with drop-off and pick-up times catering to working parents' needs. Preschools typically follow a more structured schedule, resembling a traditional school day (mornings or afternoons).
Preparation:
Daycare focuses on basic needs and socialization, while preschool prepares children for the transition to kindergarten by building foundational academic and social skills.
In short, daycare provides childcare with some developmental benefits, while preschool has a more focused educational purpose to prepare children for kindergarten. Click here for more information: https://counciloakmontessori.org/
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