They are reliable every day. Unlike individuals, child-care centers do not call in sick. State regulations set standards for staff-child ratios, group size, staff training, safety of building and sanitation. Centers are more likely to have a variety of developmental toys and books for your child to choose from. Multiple caregivers ensure reliable care.
Caregivers have training in early childhood education.
Care-center programs are usually modeled with a group in mind and are therefore very structured without much flexibility. Your child may receive less individual attention. Many centers have fixed business hours and are not able to accommodate individual schedules. Minimum standards do not always create optimum environments. Licensed centers are often in short supply.