If you’re a family of two or three (or more!), you may be wondering whether you should send your kids to the same daycare or split them up. Unfortunately, the answer is not always straightforward. While there are many obvious benefits to sending your children to the same daycare, it ultimately depends on your family’s unique needs, availability, and preferences.
5 Benefits of Having Your Kids at the Same Daycare
1. One Drop-Off & Pick-Up Location
One of the most obvious benefits of having your kids in the same daycare is that you have only one drop-off and pick-up location! Not only will it save you from the logistical headache of trying to figure out how to get your kids to two different places, but it will also mean less time in the car! (And if you’re a parent of young kids, you know how fussy they can be in rush hour traffic).
2. Matching Schedules
Unfortunately, not every daycare is on the same schedule. They’re often closed for different holidays or vacations, or sometimes just random maintenance. One of your kids’ daycares could be open on the day the other daycare decides to be closed, leaving you scrambling to find last-minute (and likely expensive) childcare for one of your kids.
Having your kids at the same daycare means they’re on the same schedule! This makes planning for daycare closures a lot easier. Plus, you only have to keep track of one calendar and are less likely to accidentally mix them up. (Blame mom brain!)
3. Family Members Nearby for Emotional Support
It can be scary for a child to go off to daycare and be away from mom or dad! However, if you’ve got a child with separation anxiety, it might help them to know that one of their siblings is nearby. They can see each other during the day, offering comfort and support. In fact, studies have shown that siblings can protect each other from feelings of fear and loneliness.
4. Stronger Community Bonds
Having your kids at the same daycare means you’re always around the same teachers, staff, and parents. There are a few reasons why building this singular, strong community is a good thing:
- You can make friends with other parents. Not having to split your time between parents at two different daycares means you can get to know them better! The longer your kids are at the daycare, the more these fellow parents can turn into friends, carpool buddies, or emergency contacts.
- It’s easier to arrange playdates. When all the kids are coming from the same place, it’s easier to arrange playdates! You can make plans during pick-up, and voila—now you have something fun for the kids to do on Saturday!
- You can build trust over time. Like all relationships, trust builds over time. The more you see the same parents and teachers, the easier it will be to have open, honest conversations with them about things relating to your children. You can get advice, ask questions, and problem-solve with people going through the same thing.
5. Simplified Billing & Communication
Is there anything more annoying than seeing various bills piling up in your inbox? Luckily, if you enroll your kids at the same daycare, the billing is way more simplified. You can manage both of their enrollment fees under one account, making payments a breeze. Plus, some daycare centers even offer sibling discounts on tuition! (Cornerstone Academy sure does!)
Reasons to Enroll Your Kids in Separate Daycares
Enrolling your kids at the same daycare is sometimes easier said than done. There are many reasons why, despite the numerous benefits of enrolling your kids at the same daycare, you may choose to separate them.
- Different Needs: Every child is different, and some may have different learning or developmental needs than their siblings. There may be a daycare that specializes in the type of care only one of your children requires.
- Waitlists: Childcare can be competitive, and some daycares have long waitlists (especially for infant spots). If you don’t get openings for both kids at your first-choice spot, you may want to start by enrolling one there until another spot opens up.
- Special Programs: There may be a special program that’s only available at one daycare but not another. For example, Cornerstone’s FREE 4k Program is an exclusive offer not found everywhere.
- Sibling Dynamics: Unfortunately, sibling dynamics aren’t always sunshine and rainbows. Some siblings fight constantly or copy each other’s bad behaviors. In these instances, it may be better to have them separated.
Questions to Ask When Deciding Whether to Send Your Kids to the Same Daycare
Deciding where to send your kids for daycare is a big decision! That’s why it’s important to take some time to think about what would be best for you and your family. Ask yourself questions like:
- Will one daycare be a good fit for both of my children?
- How different are my kids’ needs? Temperaments? Development?
- Are there any sibling discounts?
- Do I actually have the time for two drop-off routines?
- Do my kids get along well enough to be at the same daycare?
Looking for a Daycare for Multiple Children? Contact Cornerstone Academy
Are you looking to enroll several of your children at the same daycare? Then contact Cornerstone Academy! We’re a play-based daycare that encourages learning and development—while still having fun! We offer programs for infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and school-aged children. For more information, either contact us today or stop in for a tour of our facility at any time.
