FAQs for finding part-time daycares near you
What is part-time daycare?
Part-time daycare is the name given to caring for children part of the day on a regular basis. This type of care is often used to supplement part-time work, or when parents are unable to commit to full time daycare. Part-time daycare settings vary greatly, from private providers offering services a few days a week, to school district programs that offer part-time or summer options for young children. Although part-time hours are typically less expensive than full time, part-time daycare still requires careful research and planning in order to find quality providers suited to each individual family's needs.
What are the typical hours of operation for the part-time daycare?
Part-time daycare typically operates during normal business hours of 8 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. In some cases, part-time daycare may also offer extended hours with certain providers going as late as 10 pm or even providing overnight care service. Additional services such as weekend hours and holidaycare may also be available by special arrangement with part-time daycare centers. It is important for parents to check for the specific part-time daycare center’s hours of operation prior to selecting their program.
What is the maximum capacity of a part-time daycare?
Most part-time daycare have a maximum capacity of around 24 children. This number was carefully chosen, as having more children would increase risk while providing less individual attention and care, potentially diminishing the quality of child care. Therefore, most part-time daycare can only accommodate up to 24 children, ensuring that every child has adequate supervision at all times in a safe and secure environment.
How much does part-time daycare cost?
Deciding whether part-time daycare is best for you and your child is a difficult but important choice. It's natural to also want to consider part-time daycare costs so that you can better plan financially for the added expense. The cost of part-time daycare can vary significantly based on where you live, the type of care provided, and many other factors. Generally speaking, part-time daycare will cost less than full-time care due to fewer hours used per week.
How can I find a good part-time daycare?
Finding a part-time daycare can be tricky, as there are many factors to consider. Start by gathering information on available options in your area. Reach out to friends, neighbors and family members who have had experience with part-time daycare centers in the past. Once you’ve generated a list of possible locations, visit each one and note your impressions of the center's size, cleanliness and safety measures, staff qualifications and other important aspects. If you have time, observe classes in action or chat with some students or families that use the center.