Homeschooling Versus Childcare Centres: A Comparative Guide

20 September 2021
 Categories: , Blog


As your child develops, there is a need to prepare them for formal schooling. Similar to other parents, you could be in a dilemma of whether to homeschool the child or take them to a conventional childcare centre. This excerpt compares the two options with the hope that you will make an informed decision. 

Why Should You Homeschool Your Child? 

Some parents opt to homeschool their children to spend more time with them. However, this is not sufficient reason to homeschool a child. Ideally, special conditions should compel you to opt for this option. For example, it could be that your child is exceptionally gifted and would not fit well in a classroom environment. Additionally, children with special needs would be comfortable homeschooling if the childcare centres within your locality do not admit special needs children. It could also be that you want your child to adopt specific religious or cultural values that they would otherwise not learn in school. Homeschooling has numerous benefits. For instance, the child does not have to adapt to the rigorous school routine. Besides, it becomes difficult for them to pick bad habits from their peers. As a parent, you will have an easy time tracking your child's progress. However, it denies children the opportunity to interact with their peers. Therefore, your child could take longer to learn communication, independence and resilience. 

When Should You Take Your Child To A Childcare Centre? 

Childcare centres are government regulated institutions that offer daycare services and prepare children for formal learning. The benefits of childcare centres outweigh their disadvantages. For instance, childcare centres have a formal program aimed at ensuring your child develops holistically. At the centre, your child will learn linguistic and arithmetic skills. The teachers will also engage them in games that enhance their critical thinking and creative skills. Besides, learning alongside other kids enables your child to develop social skills that come in handy in the future. The child will also learn to be independent since they are no longer with their nanny or parent. 

Staff at childcare centres are experts in child development. Therefore, they are your best bet if your child suffers from anxiety. Besides, they can cater to the needs of special children in a conventional classroom. This interaction is important since it makes your child know that although they are abled differently, they still have their strengths. People against childcare centres will often argue that their kids could get bullied or suffer diseases when interacting with other kids. However, this is not true since most centres have strict policies on bullying and health. For example, parents must prove that their kids are immunised. Additionally, they must disclose underlying health issues. 

Childcare centres are your best bet when you need to prepare your child for formal schooling. The rule of thumb is that you should conduct due diligence when choosing a childcare centre to ensure it meets your needs and those of your child. 


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