Most of the time, whether you call it a preschool or a daycare, it is just semantics, but to me, there is a distinction.
Preschool: Direction and Interaction
The expectation of a preschool teacher is that each part of your daily schedule focuses on an academic or character goal, with teacher direction and interaction. From the conversations at the snack table to the ending review circle before dismissal, that’s three to four hours of child interaction and engagement.
Daycare: Safety and Supervision
Though you may include the same expectations of a preschool teacher in a daycare teacher’s job description, the focus ends up being on the physical needs of the children with less structure. Daycare teachers cannot be expected to maintain that level of energy and engagement for an 8-hour day, especially with larger class sizes.
Therefore, the goal of the daycare teacher is safety and supervision. Daycares offer various activities for children to engage with, and the teacher’s role is to supervise.
Is it a Preschool or a Daycare?
You can have a preschool program within a daycare, but once you add childcare to a preschool, it becomes a daycare. In a half-day preschool, for the 3 to 4-hour shift, when the class size is small, the teacher can truly engage with the children. When this occurs, character, as well as skills, are developed.
Half-Day Program is “Just Right”
A half-day preschool program is just the right amount of school for children 3–5 years old. It is enough time to be away from the family, but not too much time that the family loses its influence. It is time to listen to other adults, but in a school setting. It is a taste of school without the negative institutional school experience. It is the prime example of “less is more.”
Less is More
A half-day preschool is just enough time to provide opportunities to make friends, cooperate, listen, and build foundational conversation skills. It’s enough time to give children a positive outlook on school.
Daycare Fatigue
The longer daycare setting has potential for daycare fatigue. This fatigue is due to a more stimulating and exhausting environment. Negative influences from other children are more likely when teachers supervise the play rather than engage in the play.
Full-time teachers are more likely to be tired and overworked. More staff turnover is likely in full-day child care.
I Choose Preschool
In my 40-year career, I have run both daycare centers and preschools. Five years ago, I realized that my expectations for full engagement with the children could not be met when teachers worked a full day.
For 2 1/2 years at New Covenant Preschool, I have come to realize that a half-day preschool is the sweet spot for providing the best early education program.
