Full-time or Part-time Childcare/Preschool: Which is Better? | Daycare Tips for Parents

The decision to enroll your child full or part-time in a childcare or preschool program is a common discussion point with families on daycare tours. I'm sharing insight from a childcare director's perspective on children's adjustment in childcare based on full-time or part-time enrollment.

Some families have no other choice but to enroll full-time due to, for example, full-time work schedules, or can only enroll part-time due to reasons such as finances. There is no one size fits all and each family has different circumstances. However, solely speaking in regards to the transition and adjustment of the child in childcare, children typically thrive on the consistency and everyday routine of full-time enrollment.

Be sure to like and subscribe to The Daycare Guide for more childcare and preschool tips and tricks for parents. With over 20 years of experience in the field, I'm sharing candid insight and tips to share what your childcare provider REALLY wants you to know - the good, the bad, and the ugly; so you have the info. needed to choose the right program for your child, prepare your child for the transition, build a positive relationship with your childcare provider, and have an awesome experience while your child is enrolled.

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[trinhtmai]

I’m only putting my 2 yr old 2 days a week but only option is Tuesdays and Thursdays.

😬😬😬 he starts August 27th😅

[wendywendy]

i totally agree with everything you said. but i can't afford more than 1 full day. i'm a burnt out mom and 1 full day off for me would change my life for sure. i can't do 2 part time days because my husband goes to work at 930 leaving me only 2 1/2 hour break since part time ends at 12pm. my kid is 15 mo. so i don't have many other options. and no family/friends around to help.

[deannawesenberg]

As a daycare teacher of 35+ years i totally agree. If a family needs 2 or 3 days. Please make them consecutive days. Your child will have less anxiety with the transition.
On another note, would you please talk about potty-training as partners with their daycare provider.

[stephanieheintzman]

Would full time include everyday but half days?

[donnatate]

what a sad sentence, It's all that they can remember.