When it comes to choosing a daycare, there’s one important question to ask yourself: should it be closer to work or home? Although it may seem like a small detail, the location can greatly impact your family’s daily routine, as well as the overall well-being of both the parents and child. To make an informed decision, read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both.
5 Advantages of Daycare Near Work
1. Convenience in Pickups & Dropoffs
Opting for a daycare near your workplace can provide some convenience and flexibility when it comes to pickups and drop-offs. It can reduce overall travel time and streamline your daily routine (which can be much-appreciated early in the morning). Also, in the case of work-related crises or unexpected meetings, it’s also quicker to bring your child to daycare and get to the office.
2. Peace of Mind Knowing You Are Close to Your Child
For many parents, having their child at a daycare close by can bring them peace of mind. You can quickly check in on them during breaks or lunch hours (although we recommend you don’t make a habit of it), and if there are any concerns, issues, or emergencies, you’re able to get there sooner. This proximity may also help build a stronger bond between you and your child, knowing that you are nearby.
3. You Get to Spend More Time With Your Child
Some people may see a long commute as just another annoying, unavoidable part of their day, but having a daycare near work means you can use this time to bond with your child! You guys can listen to music together, or just sit and talk about your day.
It’s an easy way to enjoy uninterrupted conversation, and your attention can be focused solely on your child (and driving, of course). Even if your child just ends up falling asleep, you get to be in their company without all the distractions of home.
4. Networking Opportunities with Colleagues
Choosing a daycare near your workplace can introduce you to other parents who work in the same area. This can lead to networking opportunities, potential playdates for your child, and the chance to connect with like-minded parents facing similar workplace milestones.
5. Potential to Save Money
Some workplaces offer on-site childcare or discounts on nearby daycares. If this is the case, then you may not want to turn down this opportunity to save. The extra money can be spent doing other things with your child, like taking weekend trips to museums or other local attractions.
5 Advantages of Daycare Near Home
1. Your Child is in a Familiar Environment
Opting for a daycare near your home allows your child to spend their days in a familiar environment. They’ll be in a neighborhood they recognize, potentially surrounded by community members they know. While it’s good for your child to be exposed to new surroundings, for a young child adjusting to being away from mom or dad, this small comfort can go a long way in making their day easier.
2. Opportunities to Make Neighborhood Friends
A daycare near home can help your child build connections within the local community. They can make friends with children who live in the same area, helping foster friendships that can go beyond the daycare setting.
If they live in the same neighborhood, they’re also more likely to attend the same kindergarten, making that transition to a new environment easier. It also enables you to engage with nearby parents, potentially leading to a supportive network of families.
3. Ease of Backup Plans
When your child attends a daycare near home, it becomes easier to arrange backup plans in case of unforeseen situations. If you or your child is unwell and needs to be sent home, or if you’re stuck at work late, a neighbor, family member, or nearby babysitter may be available to step in. This can reduce the stress of finding alternative arrangements.
4. Maximize Use of Childcare Facilities
By dropping your child off right away in the morning, instead of waiting to get closer to work, your child gets to experience more of the daycare. They have extra time to use the facilities, play with friends, or engage with their daycare teachers. Even if it’s only an additional ten minutes a day, over the course of a year, that time can add up!
5. If You Change Jobs, Your Childcare Facility Can Stay the Same
You’re more likely to switch jobs than you are to move out of your house, which is why you may want to choose a daycare closer to home. That way, regardless of career changes, you don’t have to worry about finding a new daycare and uprooting your little one. After all, consistency in routine is incredibly important for young children.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Daycare Location
Who Will Drop Off & Pick Up Your Child Most of the Time?
If the plan is for one parent to do the majority of the dropping off and picking up, then that parent should choose a daycare location that is the most convenient for them, regardless of whether that is near their work or near home.
How Far Is Your Work from Your Home?
If you have a very long commute to and from work every day, then you may want to consider a daycare near your home. There are a few reasons why:
- If you’re sick or are unable to go into your office for any reason, your spouse will have to drive all the way out to the daycare near your work.
- If you forget to pack something for your child, such as diapers or food, you can return home quickly to grab it.
- If your child doesn’t do well in long car rides, then choosing a daycare near home will stop them from having to sit with you in rush hour traffic.
However, if your work and home are relatively at the same distance, these factors may not be as important.
Does Your Work Require Constant Travel?
The amount of travel your job requires is important to consider when choosing a daycare near work or home. If your employer demands constant out-of-state and overnight travel, you will probably want to consider a childcare center closer to your home.
This reason is similar to the issue above in that if you are out of town traveling, it will require your spouse to drive and drop off your child near your office instead of near his or hers.
Do You Want Your Child Near You During the Day?
Are you comfortable having your child anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour away from you, all day? Will your child be comfortable? Every child’s (and parents’) separation anxiety is different, but if you don’t want the distance, then you’ll want a daycare near your job. It might also ease your mind to know you can quickly pop in if there’s an emergency.
Is There Heavy Traffic During Your Commute?
If there’s heavy, unpredictable traffic during your commute, it might be best to choose a daycare near home. That way, you can drop your child off right away, and they can spend more of their day interacting with other kids, as opposed to getting fussy in the car.
On the other hand, if you feel like the traffic is worse on your commute home from work than on your commute there, you might want a daycare closer to work to avoid arriving late for pickup. There are some daycares that charge a fee for pickups that occur after the designated time.
Do You Have Another Child’s Schedule to Take Into Consideration?
If you have another child who doesn’t go to the same daycare, then you’ll want to also consider their schedule, and then choose a daycare that allows you to easily manage ALL your children. Does your other child need to be dropped off at a different childcare center? Do they have after-school activities or sports they need a ride to? Are they closer to work or home?
Regardless of Whether It’s Close to Work or Home, Don’t Just Pick Any Old Daycare
At the end of the day, you’re going to want to prioritize the quality and reputation of the daycare. Conduct thorough research, visit potential facilities, read reviews, and speak with other parents to gather insights. A nurturing and safe environment with qualified staff and a strong curriculum should be the primary focus, regardless of whether it is near your work or home.
For parents looking for high-quality childcare in Kenosha, Wisconsin, consider Cornerstone Academy! For years, we’ve been voted the best daycare in the area. Stop in whenever you’d like to check out our facility, or if you’d rather schedule a time, feel free to fill out our form or give us a call at 262-552-5368.
