Choosing a childcare option can be overwhelming because there are so many daycare and home childcare options in the Crestwood area. But what is the difference between daycare and home childcare?
What Is Daycare?
Daycares are usually larger businesses, dividing each age group into classrooms. Many daycares choose to divide classrooms into infant (0-12 months), toddler (12-24 months), two’s, three’s, pre-K, kindergarten, and school-aged children.
Classrooms are limited to a specified ratio of children to teachers to keep children and teachers safe. In Kentucky, daycares have the following child-to-teacher ratios:
- 6 weeks-12 months (5:1)
- Toddlers (6:1)
- 2 – 3 years (10:1)
- 3 – 4 years (12:1)
- 4 – 5 years (14:1)
- 5 – 7 years (15:1)
- 7 years and older (25:1)
Kentucky also caps the maximum classroom size:
- Infants: 10
- Toddlers: 12
- Three’s: 20
- Pre-K (3 and 4-year-olds): 24
- Pre-K (4 and 5-year-olds): 28
- School-age (5+ years old): 30
This prevents teachers and children from becoming overwhelmed, even when proper ratios are met. Children and teachers alike are safer and happier when everyone has space to play, explore, and teach.
What Is Home Childcare?
Home childcare is when a licensed childcare provider watches other children in their own home.
Providers can care for related children (biological children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or step-children) at the same time as other children, but the provider does not have to have their own children to offer home childcare.
There are two categories for home childcare: small-family childcare homes and large-family childcare homes.
Small-Family Childcare Homes
In this option, the childcare provider can have up to four related children and 4-6 unrelated children in the home. This means a maximum of ten children can be in the home at a time.
Large-Family Childcare Homes
Large-family childcare homes can have 7-12 children at one time. The child-to-teacher ratios for this childcare option are:
- 5:1 for under age 12 months
- 6:1 for 1-2 years
- 10:1 for 2-3 years
- 12:1 for 3-4 years
- 14:1 for 4-5 years
- 15:1 for 5-7 years
While there’s a lot to consider when choosing childcare, we believe Crestwood Preschool Academy is a top option for Crestwood childcare. We strive to care for each child individually and help them reach their maximum potential. Contact us today for more information!
Crestwood Preschool Academy is proud to offer an outstanding educational and fun curriculum that prepares your child for kindergarten per state academic standards.
Contact Crestwood Preschool Academy today if you’re looking to give your child a head start in school!