Nanny Share vs. Daycare

An apple with a pile of colorful books resting upon a wooden desk

Weighing your childcare options can get really overwhelming. Often the decision comes down to the cost of childcare, leaving parents choosing between a daycare center and a nanny share.

Before deciding what option is better, parents should make sure they understand the key differences between a daycare and a nursery school. Something many families don't know is that nursery schools are not typically full-day programs. They are educational-based learning centers for preschool-aged children, but have rigid hours, from 9 am to 12 pm. A nursery school as your main childcare solution typically doesn’t cut it if you have two working parents. This is a great option if you’re a stay-at-home parent, looking to socialize your child for a few hours each day or if you’re involved in a nanny share, and want your child in an educational environment for part of the day.

A daycare, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily work alongside of a nanny share like a nursery school would. It’s really more of a one-or-the-other scenario. Learn more about the differences between a daycare, a nanny, and a nanny share.

To help your process, here are some questions you can consider for your whole family:

Daycare Quality and Convenience Questions to Consider

What is the cost per month? Per child?
Where is the daycare center located?
Who will do drop-off and pickup?
Will this location work if you have to travel, is homesick, or change employers?
What are the center’s hours? Do these work for your career growth?
Does your/your partner’s employer have a flexible work from home policy in case your child is sick at home for a few days and cannot attend daycare?
If you had to rate the daycare center on a scale of 1-10, how much do you love it?
Are the staff members caring/nurturing?
Does it have good reviews from parents who currently have children enrolled?
What is the staff turnover rate?
Will they work with your nap schedule and food policies?
Do the kids seem happy and well taken care of??

Family Planning and Personality Questions to Consider

How long do you plan to be in your current location? If you move what would be more disruptive: changing a nanny share or daycare?
How long until you hope to have another child? If sooner than later, which solution would be more cost-effective for two kids?
Do you typically pay more for convenience or expend more energy/time to save money?
Does your current job require (or tend to favor) people who put in more face-time?
Could you use a little more help around the house (meal prep, housekeeping)?

What components of childcare are most important to you?
Are you flexible with other parenting styles?
Are you comfortable hosting another person’s child in your home?
As your child grows, are you financially comfortable paying for outside classes (music, gymnastics) if the other family wants to enroll their child too?
Do you have an easy communication style?
Do you feel there are great benefits to having a nanny?
Do you feel comfortable entrusting another person with your child full-time without micromanaging?
Does your family schedule require more flexibility than the rigid hours of a daycare?