Making the decision between a day care center, at-home daycare, and a nanny is difficult work. This chart shows some of the main features of different types of childcare. If you would like further information regarding specific items, please check the articles under Types of Daycare.
Child care Features |
Daycare Center |
In-Home Daycare |
Nanny |
| Government regulations | Yes | Yes | No |
| One-on-one attention | No | No | Yes |
| Chance to interact with children of own age | Yes | Yes | No |
| Multiple teachers | Yes | No | No |
| Frequency of infectious illness | Yes | Yes | No |
| Caregiver turnover | Yes | No | Yes |
| Individual focus on special needs (food allergy, etc.) | No | No | Yes |
| Flexibility in the child’s routine | No | No | Yes |
| Extended hours of operation | Yes | No | No |
| Backup care if a provider can’t work (vacation, illness, etc.) | Yes | No | No |
| Personal relationship between parent and provider | No | Yes | Yes |
| Possibility of preschool curriculum | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Budget-minded | Yes | Yes | No |
| Supervision of provider | Yes | No | No |
| Family privacy | Yes | Yes | No |
| Socializing with other children | Yes | Yes | No |
| Convenience | No | No | Yes |
| Home-like environment | No | Yes | Yes |
| Control over rules and values | No | No | Yes |
| Employee taxes and benefits, living arrangements, etc. | No | No | Yes |
| Chance to meet other parents | Yes | Yes | No |