4 Chicago Daycare Myths Debunked

Quality child care options are crucial to Chicago parents. The right daycare center can give their young children space to learn, socialize, and grow under the careful guidance of attentive early childhood educators.

However, misconceptions about daycare may discourage parents who could benefit from this option while they work or tend to other responsibilities during the day. Let’s break down some common myths about daycare so you can feel confident sending your kids to the Chicago daycare of your choosing.

Myth: Daycare is just babysitting

Some parents don’t see much difference between sending their kids to daycare and hiring a babysitter or a nanny to watch them during the day.

Reality: Daycare can help children grow and thrive

While there’s nothing wrong with babysitting, daycare often offers a higher level of structure designed to encourage your child’s development. Daycares typically employ early childhood educators and other qualified professionals who develop age- and development-appropriate games, crafts, and activities that help your child learn.

In addition to educational opportunities, daycares offer kids the chance to play and make friends, fostering important social, emotional, and communication skills.

Myth: Children like to play, but play doesn’t benefit them

Children in daycare spend a lot of time in structured and unstructured play. Parents may worry that children aren’t learning or growing because they spend so much time playing.

Reality: Children learn and grow through play

While it’s true that your child will likely spend a lot of time playing in daycare, play is crucial to children’s education and development. Both structured and unstructured playtime can help kids develop communication, logic, and critical thinking skills. They’ll also be able to practice math and language concepts, build social bonds, and exercise their imagination and creativity.

Myth: Daycares are dangerous

Many parents may worry about their kids getting hurt or sick at daycare under the supervision of unfamiliar adults.

Reality: Quality daycares have high safety and sanitation standards

Worrying about your child’s safety and well-being at daycare is completely understandable. However, reputable daycares typically have high safety and sanitation standards, extensive emergency protocols, and highly trained staff. To find the safest option, be sure to tour the facility and ask about safety precautions, allergy management, sanitation and cleanliness procedures, supervision, guidance, security, and other issues that matter to you. To find the best daycare Chicago has to offer for your child, don’t hesitate to visit multiple locations and compare your options.

Your child might get sick more often after starting school for the first time, especially if they haven’t spent time with many other children before. If your kid gets sick, be sure to keep them home from daycare to heal and keep other children safe. You may also want to confirm that your daycare has strict policies around making sure kids and staff stay home if they aren’t feeling well.

Myth: Daycare hurts kids’ relationships with their parents

The first day of daycare often marks the first time many new parents spend more than a few hours away from their children at once. Parents may worry that this shift could affect their bond, especially as their kids build relationships with staff and educators.

Fact: Daycare can encourage healthy relationships between parents and children

Daycare programs often encourage open communication between staff and parents so you can stay informed about your children’s development and behavior during the day. Equipped with that knowledge, you can help your kid work toward their goals. By taking a sincere interest in the activities your child enjoys, you can build an even more trusting and supportive relationship. Plus, you have a singular bond with your child—no daycare provider could ever change that!

If you’re sending your child to daycare for the first time—or even the fifth time—it’s understandable to feel some anxiety. Fortunately, the right daycare program can help you feel confident in your child’s care.

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Name: Sonakshi Murze
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