Choosing between Family Day Care and Long Day Care
Are you planning to enrol your child in a preschool in Australia and feeling torn between whether to choose family day care or long day care?
If yes, just know that you aren’t alone.
We understand that it’s not always an easy choice, and making the right decision requires careful consideration of your child’s personality, your schedule and the learning environments you prefer.
How about we help you make a well-informed choice? In this detailed guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about childcare in Chipping Norton, choosing a preschool near you, and the key factors you must consider when deciding between family day care and long day care. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Childcare Options
What is Family Day Care (FDC)?
Family day care is exactly what it sounds like: childcare in a home setting.
This daycare setting is more like sending your child to a trusted neighbour or relative who is trained in early childhood education. The qualified educator looks after a small group of kids in their own house or an agreed location or space.
A family daycare gives a cosy, family-like vibe and children get more one-on-one attention since the groups are smaller. If you have a child who doesn’t like crowded places or larger groups, then this can be a great option for them.
Family daycare also tends to offer more flexible hours compared to traditional childcare centres. Since it is run by an individual educator, parents can arrange irregular hours, such as early mornings, late evenings, or even overnight care, depending on the carer’s availability. This flexibility can be a lifesaver for parents with non-traditional work schedules.
Another important feature of FDC is that educators use a play-based approach to teach children specific skills, morals and lessons. For example, they may count the numbers while throwing balls in the garden – an easy and fun way to sharpen your child’s fine motor skills.
What is Long Day Care (LDC)?
Long day care is a more structured childcare option, held in a dedicated centre and is usually designed to cater to larger groups of children.
Let’s quickly paint what a long daycare would look like. Imagine colourful classrooms, vibrant play areas, and a lively schedule packed with activities. Pictured it yet? Exactly, that’s a long daycare.
One important feature of this care option is the structured routine. LDC follows a set schedule with specific times for play, learning, meals and rest. They also have a learning routine that prepares children for school with educational programmes on early literacy, numeracy and social skills. This structured consistency helps children to develop a sense of routine and security.
LDC centres are usually equipped with qualified staff and resources. They have all that a child needs to have a full day of learning and fun activities. The educators are typically trained in early childhood education, and the centres are equipped with many learning materials like toys and play equipment. This means kids get access to a wide range of activities like arts and crafts, outdoor play and educational games.
Not to forget, the larger setting also means more structured learning and socialising opportunities, such as music sessions, storytelling and outdoor activities. For example, at Joey’s Cottage, we have several exciting facilities, including a natural play area with sand pits and chicken & duck pens, perfect to help your child engage in play-based learning with other curious little minds.
How to Determine the Right Fit for Your Child
Now that two big options have been tabled before you, how do you stop searching ‘preschools near me’ and make a decision?
Knowing that we want the best for your child as much as you do, here are some important things to consider when choosing a daycare service for your child.
Your Child’s Personality and Needs
No two children are the same, not children from the same parents or even twins!
You need to consider your child’s personality and what you think would best meet your child’s needs. You should not choose a daycare plan strictly because someone else did and it worked for them or because that’s what you used for your older children. Children are always different.
Here’s one way to choose: if your child is shy or gets overwhelmed in large groups, the smaller, home-like setting of family day care might be a better fit. On the other hand, if they’re a social butterfly who loves group activities and thrives on routine, a long daycare’s structured environment could be perfect.
They’re still young, so their “comfort zone” is a big deal; it’s not yet time to move out.
Flexibility vs. Structure
Another important factor to consider is your routine as a parent. Do you want a daycare that allows you to throw in some irregular hours at intervals? Or you’d prefer a structured routine that matches your work schedule? At the end of the day, choosing a daycare is as much about you as it is about your child.
Socialisation Opportunities
A family day care would most likely help your child relate better with siblings and other age groups than a long day care. On the flip side, a long day care may help your child to socialise and relate better with their age mates. So, what do you think works best for their child? Which of these socialising styles do you think is a priority for your child at the age and stage that they currently are?
Learning and Development Approach
The long day care and family day care plans have different approaches to learning and development.
While family day care follows a more personalised and play-based learning style, long day care offers a more structured educational programme designed to get kids ready for school.
Both of these learning styles have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the “right choice” for you as a parent would depend on your child’s learning style and your educational goals for them.
Costs and Government Support
How much you can afford, together with the available government subsidies, goes a long way in determining which daycare to put your child in.
FDC service is generally more affordable and mostly charged per hour. Long day care, on the other hand, usually has a fixed daily or weekly fee, which covers full-day care, meals, and educational programmes. Some centres might charge extra for special activities, excursions, or extended care hours.
Now, here’s the good news, in many countries, including Australia, government subsidies are available for both family day care and long day care. But the amount depends on factors like your family’s income, the number of hours you need, and the type of care you choose. Make sure to check your eligibility by seeking help from professionals and factor in these savings when comparing costs.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Benefits of Family Day Care
A home-like, nurturing environment
One of the biggest advantages of FDC is the cosy, home-like setting. Children are cared for in a familiar, comfortable environment that feels less formal than a traditional childcare centre. This can be especially reassuring for little ones who might feel overwhelmed in larger, busier settings.
More flexibility in hours
Family day care is usually more flexible with hours than long day care depending on their schedule and arrangement with the parents. Some educators offer early drop-offs, late pickups, or even overnight care. This makes it a great option for families with irregular work hours or those who occasionally need childcare outside of the usual 9-to-5 routine.
Strong bonds with one educator
In FDC, your child stays with the same educator throughout the day. This consistency allows them to form a close, trusting bond with one caregiver. It’s like having a second home where they feel safe, cared for, and understood.
Challenges of Family Day Care
Limited availability of spots
Spots can be limited since family day care providers can only care for a small group of children (usually between four and seven) at a time. This means you might end up on a waiting list, especially if you’re looking for care in a popular area. It also means less flexibility if you need to adjust your schedule or add extra days.
Fewer socialisation opportunities
While the mixed-age interactions in FDC can be beneficial, the smaller group size means fewer opportunities for your child to make friends with peers of their age. If your child loves being in the middle of a bustling group or thrives on group activities, they might feel a bit isolated in the quieter, smaller setting of family day care.
No backup if the educator is sick
One of the biggest disadvantages of family day care is the lack of backup care.
If the educator is sick, on vacation, or has an emergency, there may be no alternative arrangements available.
Benefits of Long Day Care
Structured learning with a school-readiness focus
Most long day care centres follow an educational curriculum designed to prepare children for school. It’d be an ideal choice for you if you want your child to ease into the routine and expectations of a school setting.
Greater interaction with peers
In long day care, children are grouped by age so they can play, learn, and socialise with peers at the same developmental stage. This age-specific interaction helps kids make friends, learn teamwork, and practice important social skills like sharing cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Reliable and consistent care
Long daycare centres are a reliable option for working parents since they operate on a fixed schedule, usually from early morning to late afternoon. The centres also have multiple staff and educators, so you won’t have to worry about cancellations due to a carer’s illness or personal emergency.
Challenges of Long Day Care
Less flexibility in hours
While long day care centres are consistent with their hours, they aren’t always flexible. Most centres have strict drop-off and pick-up times, which may not always be comfortable for every parent.
Larger group sizes can be sometimes overwhelming
Long day care centres have larger groups of children, which means more noise and activity. For some kids, this bustling environment can be exciting and fun, it might feel overwhelming for others. You must first consider your child’s temperament and how they respond to busy, crowded settings before choosing this option.
Higher costs
Long day care is often more expensive than family day care, because of their structured educational programs, facilities, and staff-to-child ratios. Fees are usually charged daily or weekly and may include additional costs for meals, excursions, or special activities.
What to Look for When Choosing a Childcare Provider
Accreditation & Qualifications
You sure don’t want to be part of an illegal business right? So first and foremost, ensure that the childcare provider meets all government standards and regulations. This includes checking for proper licensing, educator qualifications and compliance with safety and health requirements.
A family day care educator should have the necessary training in early childhood education and first aid. In long daycare centres, look for accredited programmes with qualified teachers who follow an approved curriculum.
Safety & Cleanliness
Your child’s safety is non-negotiable!
Visit the centre or family day care home to assess the hygiene and security measures in place. Is the environment clean and well-maintained? Is the outdoor play area safe and adequately supervised? Do they prepare breakfast and other meals safely? Check for yourself, ideally by inquiring personally or visiting the center before making a decision.
Educator-to-Child Ratio
The educator-to-child ratio is crucial in determining the level of attention and care your child will receive. A lower ratio means more personalised attention and better supervision.
For example, according to the National Quality Framework (NQF), a single educator in family day care in Australia can only care for up to 7 children, with no more than 4 children who are preschool age or under. This count includes the educator’s children under 13 years old if no other adult is present to care for them.
Parent Reviews & Reputation
Word of mouth is powerful!
After considering your child’s needs and your schedule in your decision-making process, reviews on where to go matter. Parent reviews and testimonials can help you to understand the reputation of a childcare provider. Ask other parents in your community about their experiences or look up reviews online.
Location & Accessibility
Last but not least, consider the location and accessibility of the childcare provider.
You have to ask yourself, Is the family daycare near me? How long is the commute, and does it fit within your daily routine? Do you need child care in Liverpool? Also, check for practical amenities like parking spaces, public transport access and safe drop-off and pick-up zones.
Visit Joey’s Cottage – One of The Best Preschools in Sydney and Nearby Suburbs
Choosing the right preschool is a big decision, and nothing beats seeing it for yourself!
Joey’s Cottage provides you with all the confidence and resources you need to give your child the care they deserve. But don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself!
Visiting Joey’s Cottage gives you the chance to explore the vibrant classrooms, meet our friendly educators, and watch the children happily engage in play and learning activities. You’ll get a firsthand feel of the nurturing atmosphere and see how we prioritise safety, cleanliness and individualised attention.
We’d love to meet you and your little one. Our childcare centre in Chipping Norton is conveniently accessible from nearby NSW suburbs like Moorebank, Warwick Farm and Liverpool – schedule a visit to Joey’s Cottage today to meet the team!