I was wondering what the difference between a preschool and a daycare is? And what defines each one?

Question

I was wondering what the difference between a preschool and a daycare is? And what defines each one?

Answer 1

In our area, the public school system only offers pre-k for children that are "needy", so everyone else who wants their child into a program must pay for it.  Preschools here are faith-based, 1/2 days programs.  They vary from structured environments to "learning through play" atmosphere.  As a rule, limited daycare is offered in these programs, other than an hour early dropoff or an occasional "lunch bunch."  Classes are usually smaller than daycare classes.

Daycares offer childcare from  about 5:30 am to 6 pm.  Meals are served, naps are given and instruction time takes place in the mornings, just like preschool.

I have observed many daycares and preschools in our area.  There was learning being offered in every setting I visited.  Teacher qualifications were a little different.  Public daycares have lots of government officials looking over their shoulders, while religious-exempt preschools have never seen anyone official except for building, fire and health inspectors.

Pricing varies greatly.  Most preschool attendees in our area either have a parent that isn't employed outside the home, or have sitters (grandparents, etc) that provide transportation.  Daycare is much more expensive than preschool simply because of the extended hours and costs involved.  Church preschools sometimes pay a fee to use the facilities of the Church; but since it is an outreach service, the cost is minimal compared to running a daycare.

Answer 2

I agree with ECExpert.  In my state, many, many, many daycares are preparing children in the same way that pre-schools are.  There are many pre-schools in my state that are not regulated - no one is overseeing what they are offering the children in the way of education.  Many of them operate privately in churches.  Don't get me wrong - they may be doing a wonderful job, but since there is no one overseeing their program, who knows?

On the flip side, thousands of daycare centers in my state are working hard to improve the quality of the programs they offer the children and families they serve.  They are raising their levels of quality in regards to curriculum, the learning environment, training for staff members, observations and assessments of the children and so forth.  Even family daycare home providers in my state are beginning to acheive CDA certification or associate's degrees in ECE so they can offer school readiness programs in their facilities.

Please, please, please don't say that daycares are only good for keeping the children fed, clean and safe.  Yes, that is all some of them do, but many do so much more.

Answer 3

in a daycare they just play around and the parents can keep them there as long as the day care is open. in a preschool they learn to count and their seasons and days and stuff. the parents have to pick them up and drop them off at a certain time.

Answer 4

daycare

Day care or child care is care of a child during the day by a person other than the child's parents or legal guardians, typically someone outside the child's immediate family. The service is known as child care in the United Kingdom and Australia and day care in North America. Child care or day care is provided in nurseries or creches or by childminders caring for children in their own homes.

preschool

Preschool education is the provision of education for children before the commencement of statutory education, usually between the ages of two and five, dependent on the jurisdiction. Preschool is also known as nursery school, day care or kindergarten (other than in the USA, where kindergarten is part of the statutory education system, preceding first grade)

Answer 5

Daycare is more of just child care that focuses mainly on keeping the kids occupied with physical activity that can be educational at times or even activities that promote positive interactions with other kids. Where as preschool is sort of the opposite. Most of the activities are education based and some physical activity is introduced but again promotes interaction.

Answer 6

A preschool follows a certain curriculum.The person who facilitates learning is a licensed professional(teacher).The child attends scheduled classes.The child interacts with the same classmates for a whole school year & is graded according to his academic performance.

    A day care center doesn't follow a certain curriculum.The person who takes care or look after the child doesn't necessarily have to be a licensed teacher.The child can stay there till his parents pick him up , no class schedules to follow.The child meets new faces everyday.

Answer 7

preschool they teach you stuff to get ready for normal school (writing etc.(basics)) and daycare they pretty much mkae sure you odnt die ill your parents can pick you up

Answer 8

preschool is a school that teaches re math and stuff like that a daycare is were kids play and babysitted by there teacher!

Answer 9

Daycare: Is a babysitting service for a large group kids

Pre-School: The children learn concepts to get them  ready for school. Pre school classes are more organized.

Answer 10

I am shocked at some of the answers. I am an in-home licensed child care provider. I have a daycare business based out of my house. I do so much more than keep kids alive until their parents come. I have a schedule that we do that involves learning, playing and interacting with others. I do lessons such as ABC's, 123's, colors, shapes, math, writing, reading, spelling, and music. I have a nutritious menu. My home is always clean and disinfected. I don't allow the kids in my care to watch TV or play video games while at my house. We keep busy with activities aimed at strengthening skills that will be used in school. The major difference between a preschool and a daycare is at a preschool, the provider has a degree in education, at a daycare, I don't have to have a degree, but I am licensed and certified and endosed. Not all daycares will be as good as mine, but not all preschools will be great, either.

Answer 11

preschool is where kids go and they actually learns things verses them going to daycare and just being watched

Answer 12

A good day care center offers the same kind of preschool education as a part-time preschool along with the meals, naps and daily routines a child needs. There are terrible preschools out there, just as there are terrible day cares. Look at lots of programs and decide what is best for your child. Don't let the type of program decide whether you will consider it. There are a lot of ignorant responses on this site.

Answer 13

pre-school has a curriculum to educated the children.

day-care just looks after them.