by Christina Good Voice

Created on: August 05, 2008

Parents today have an array of choices when deciding where their child should be during the day while they are working. At first thought, preschool seems like the natural, more responsible decision because their toddler will be in a learning environment all day. Some parents debate on whether to send their toddler to a day care center because of cost, caregivers and what the daily schedule entails.

Day care is a great choice for infants to 2-year-old children because the environment urges early learning of manners,friendship, sharing, socializing and overall character of the toddler. Granted, most day care centers are there specifically for child care and not as a learning environment, the experience is one toddlers won't get in preschool.

It wasn't too long ago that kindergarten was optional for parents, but now that it's mandatory and most kindergartens around the country offer full-day kindergarten. Some even offer full-day pre-kindergarten. Many parents - especially mothers - are even nervous about sending their child to pre-k since many of those children are barely 4-years-old.

Children are going to school earlier and earlier each year and by putting them in while they are still practically babies, it's encouraging them to grow up faster than they should.

Three-year-old preschool programs are offered widely across the United States and many parents are rushing to sign their children up. It's every parent's choice about when to start their toddler in school, but what effects may this have on the kids in the future if they're burned out on school by the time they enter high school? I agree an early start on learning is wonderful. Parents need to do their jobs at home by interacting with their toddlers by reading, playing games, playing with shape sorters and practicing colors and numbers.

Preschool teachers have set schedules and there isn't much one-one-one time with the teacher and the toddlers. They are moved from one task to the next and toddlers need time to explore and spend as much time as they like on a favorite activity.

Day care is a good option for toddlers to have a lot of one-on-one time with their caregivers while still being able to play, listen to stories and interact with their peers. They get two meals - breakfast and lunch - and snacks during the day. Toddlers get the chance to explore the playground and get some fresh air. They take naps and are able to work on arts and crafts for their parents.

The debate over whether a toddler should be in preschool or day care is a complex one, but parents should keep in mind the pros and cons of each. Early learning sounds very appealing, but in the preschool setting it may be pushing our babies out of being babies before they are ready.

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