There’s a Big Difference Between Pre-K and Daycare
Pre-K and daycare often get confused with each other. While they have their similarities, there are several key differences between the two. Both kinds of programs provide care for young children and provide enriching activities for them to do until their parents pick them up. However, pre-K offers more of a classroom setting where children can begin preparing for kindergarten.
But the differences run deeper than that. To enroll in the right program for your child, it’s important to know the qualities that set the two apart.
Age of the Children
A major difference between pre-K and daycare is the ages of the children. Daycares typically cater to children between 18 months old and three years old. Preschool is usually intended for four-year-olds that are one year away from starting kindergarten.
Note that some pre-K programs do accept children younger than four. That said, they may only attend half days to help them adapt to the pre-K setting. Four-year-olds are generally better suited to pre-K, as their existing communication, social, and reading skills are already beginning to develop.
Program Hours
Another notable difference between daycares and pre-K programs is their operating hours. A daycare will usually offer childcare all year round from Monday to Friday to accommodate most parents’ work schedules. As a form of early childhood education, pre-K programs run from September to June like most public schools. Though they’re not open during the summer, most pre-K programs also operate during regular work hours. This can allow parents to work while their child is in pre-K during the school year.
Kindergarten Preparation
What also separates childcare and pre-K programs is the level of kindergarten preparedness. As stated above, pre-K offers a classroom setting that helps prepare children for the transition to kindergarten. Whereas in some cases, going directly from daycare to full-time kindergarten can be jarring for children in a few ways.
Some children struggle at first to be away from their parents for long periods of time. That’s why pre-Ks help teach children how to be independent and encourage the development of various social and emotional skills. A great daycare can do the same, but pre-K programs are better equipped to improve a child’s academic skills at the same time. The writing, reading, speaking, and other skills they hone in pre-K will help them thrive in kindergarten and all their schooling to come.
Daycare is a fantastic choice for parents with young children, as they provide opportunities for children to socialize and learn some degree of independence. That said, pre-K programs can be better for children around the age of four who will be attending kindergarten soon, as they can help develop more substantial academic and social skills.
Contact MECK Pre-K to Learn More
Are you interested in registering your four-year-old in a free pre-K program in North Carolina? If you live in Mecklenburg County, your child may be eligible for MECK Pre-K. Our high-quality pre-K program will help your child develop various academic and social skills to prepare them for kindergarten and beyond.
MECK Pre-K is accessible to families of all income levels, so don’t hesitate to begin the process of enrolling your child in our program today. Still unsure whether to enroll your child in a pre-K program or a daycare? Please feel free to contact us or consult our FAQ page for more information.