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From my experiance you need to go with the child that is the better fit over all. I used to go by age so all children have playmates etc... but the most secure child is always a quick transition and will adjust to your group best as a whole. Go with your gut instinct not your heart!
It depends on the child and on the parents. I've had older children come in who worked out fantastic but others who had learned some really bad habits already. I've had the happiest babies come in and be happy from day one and others who took months to transition.
Basically, it all depends on the kind of parents you deal with. If the parents are on your side and will listen to your suggestions to help their child learn to adapt to daycare life the child will fit in quickly. Some of them think we are trying to tell them how to parent or something. Why can't they understand that the 3 of us, parents and caregiver have the same goal? Happy, healthy children?