Farmer 1
Angela Farmer
English 098 1:00pm
Final Draft
02/11/2016
Daycare vs In-homecare An estimated 128,543 children in Washington were enrolled in licensed childcare in the spring of 2012. About 80 percent of these children were in child care centers and the remaining 20 percent were in licensed family homes, according to a survey done by the Washington State Department of Early Learning. Choosing a daycare center for a child can be one of the most important decisions for many parents. Parents have the option of in-home daycares or license daycares. When deciding between daycare and in-homecare these two are not always equally when it comes to cost, safety/policy and curriculum. In the first place parents are often tasked with the decision if daycare, or in-home is a prudent us of their money. As a parent having to consider is it worth it just working to pay for childcare. Each setting for childcare cost is going to vary depending on the area, age of child, and sometimes, what the childcare worker is providing. The average cost of daycare in Washington state, according to a survey done by the Washington State Department of Early Learning in 2012, for 2 children in a daycare center is $1,795 for an infant (2 months -12 months) and a preschooler (2 ½ -5 years old), while in an in-home care is $1,302 for an infant (2 months -12 months) and a Preschooler (2 ½ -5 years old). Parents can see the big differences in the numbers, but also take into account getting a discount. If enrolling more than one child, and if the parents work place offers a discount for that provider. There is also an option to qualified to get help from the state. Farmer 2
While the cost of these two type of care is very different, the licensed regulation is just as important for in-home care as there are for daycare centers. The same agency regulates both, and both must follow the WAC (Washington Administrative Code). These codes are rules and guide lines that must be followed by all childcare workers and provider. Both these types of childcare have standard codes that have to be followed all lead staff must be at least 18 years old, and have a completed background check with fingerprints. They must have a current tuberculosis (TB) test on file, and take an online class on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and blood borne pathogen training. Staff must complete a 30 hours of stars’ class within 6 months of being hired and a continuing 10 hours each calendar year (these regulations vary by state). While these licensed regulations are the same in many ways, with in-home care family members can help you with care. The family members would have to go through the same regulations, but they must be at least 16 years of age. Equally important is policy and procedures done at a daycare center and in-home care center, and it is mostly up to the director of what they believe fits there center the best. That is why it is always best ask about policy and procedures before you decide. While germs and sickness are very high when it comes to daycare center because of the high amount of childcare in the care, the fact of the matter is that illnesses happen, for both in-home and daycare. The only difference between the severity and frequency is that you have one provider taking care of your child rather than multiple caregivers taking care of multiple children with multiple germs. The reason for this daycare center have a higher ratio for teacher to child; in a preschool classroom, it could be 1:10 (one teacher to 10 children), when that classroom could hold up to 20 children.

Farmer 3
While at licensed in-homecare 1:6 (one teacher to 6 children), with the difference being that the children range in age from birth to 6 years old.
When it comes to safety of the children, it is the understanding that it is always what is the best interest for the child. Most parent would think that their child would be safer if they were in an in-homecare then in daycare, but the safety risk are all the same. In-homecare goes through the same amount of safety check as does daycare center. There are fire and emergency procedures, health plans, pets, water safety, electrical and lighting, outdoor environments and classroom environments are all looked at before a daycare center or in-home care can be licensed. While both have the same regulations parents need to consider if a prospective center provides them with the curriculum and learning outcomes they are looking for. Daily routines and schedule are so different for these two type of care much of this is based on teacher to child ratio allowed in the in-homecare setting. While in-homecare does have a curriculum for the children in would be a one set of curriculum that could be adapted to the age of each in the care (since the age range is so varied). Daycare center have a set of curriculum for each age group of that classroom. In-home care has curriculum that the director, or lead teacher choses. While in a daycare center curriculum is based on what the child’s interest is at the moment. Each of these curriculum includes an element of outside playtime during the day and afternoon. While at some daycare center it is some type of structured play. Children at an in-homecare have the back yard to play, and any toys or item that the provider see necessary to have.

Farmer 4
In conclusion, as a parent deciding between daycare and in-homecare these two are not always equally when it comes to cost, safety/policy and curriculum. While in-homecare has a cheaper cost then daycare center, but having their child in group of children in varies age help or hinder the child’s growth. While the licensing regulations are the mostly the same for both these type of care, for parents it comes down to which do I feel more comfortable in daycare center build, or in-homecare in a house. Parents need to keep in mind their learning outcomes that they have in place for their child. Most important is to know your own child's temperament, likes and dislikes, health, interests, and behavior. When you have done all your research, interviewing, and observing, you may need to reassure yourself that leaving your child in the care of someone else is what works best for your family.