Centre based vs. Home based care

[playfelt]

I can only speak from the home care standpoint but as the mom of four kids of my own there are many large families out there that function well - think 19 kids and counting, lol. The key is that we function as a unit. Rules and regulations that daycare centres follow are relaxed in home daycare so the needs of the children that day become the focus. While the baby needs extra attention for teething, circletime or art may not happen for the older children or the time will be changed to fit with when the baby fell asleep. The advantage of homecare for babies is that they can pretty much keep their regular routine and have the flexibility to learn at their own pace. They have older "friends" to entertain them and the older children learn empathy, compassion and tolerance. Home care is what it would be like if you as the parent stayed home and has not only your own child but several other siblings. As a unit you go through the day, meet each child's needs and ask that each child help along the way.

For a centre the advantage is that the centre stays open if the caregiver gets too sick to work or takes a vacation but that is usually something that can be worked around. Cost is a major factor with a daycare centre.

Before deciding remember that right now your child is a baby with specific needs. It is also very common to change your childcare arrangements down the road when you want something more for your child. For example you might want a very relaxed homey type environment for your baby now but then when they are 3 you might want to move them to the Casa program at the local montessori.

Your concern about the one adult doing everything is a valid one but as a mother you will be doing that too. Cooking enough noodles for one or 7 doesn't take that much longer. Also children thrive when they have times to be resourceful on their own and not having an adult hovering over them constantly too.