In most Colorado households today, both adults have a full-time career. Those who are parents search for exceptional care for their young children, enriching programs to engage kids until parents can pick them up.  

Some opt for daycare, while others choose preschool, an educational setting where kids prepare for kindergarten. Visit Polis signs Colorado universal preschool bill into law – Chalkbeat – for details on free preschool for Colorado toddlers. 

The primary difference is the children’s age. Daycares cater to infants up through roughly three years old, while preschool is often intended for four-year-olds who will start kindergarten the following year. There are, however, preschool programs that do accept younger children.

A priority is that parents and children feel comfortable with the facility and that the activities or curriculum encourage curiosity and learning from every age.  

Before committing to either, researching options for daycare and preschool in Aurora, CO is essential to fully understand the differences and learn the individual benefits. Let’s review what daycare and preschool have to offer kids in the Colorado area. 

Differences Between Daycare Programs and Preschool 

Aurora, Colorado, preschools prepare kids under school age to enter kindergarten, focusing on early childhood development and education. Preschools offer a structured program to mimic a standard school day with kids following a distinct schedule.  

These programs also follow the school calendar with holiday breaks and closures for inclement weather. Many preschools offer daycare or childcare as well. 

Childcare or daycare is an environment for children of varied ages. The focus in this setting is more on fun and socialization than education. Providers use structured activities and play to entertain and engage children.  

Daycares are not strictly for toddlers but for school-aged children, with some providing before- and after-school care. Consider the following key differences when choosing the best program for your child. 

The educational element 

Both daycare and preschool providers strive to offer enriching activities to encourage learning among the children they provide care to. Preschool focuses more on education through structured programs and schedules, whereas daycare concentrates more on spontaneity with play and learning. 

A primary benefit of preschool is that it exposes kids to a regimented learning setting in preparation for kindergarten. Many programs incorporate reading, science, math, and writing, with teachers developing lesson plans and following a distinct curriculum. 

Preschool teachers have specific criteria to meet, usually a degree in early childhood education. Daycare providers must be certified but aren’t trained or licensed educators; their focus is less on educational development.  

Still, kids learn to socialize, develop life skills and are in a safe, secure environment in both preschool and daycare. Read here to learn the benefits of full-day preschool as Colorado expands early childhood education. 

The services 

Daycare providers offer flexible hours and services to accommodate family needs. The atmosphere is safe and enriching for kids attending full-time or on a half-day basis while parents go to work.  

The ages for daycare ranges from infant up to school-age, with some providers offering before- and after-school care. Parents can expect daycare providers to offer diaper changes, potty training, and other personal care that many preschools may not.  

While some preschools offer daycare programs, many are designed for kids ranging from three to five. They’re set in a facility or independent building reminiscent of a school environment and have a larger capacity than daycare, allowing access to more children. 

Daycares can be center-based, but many are run from a provider’s home. The enrollment is generally smaller primarily because infants and toddlers need constant care and supervision. Preschool sets the staff-to-child ratio to allow for individualized attention. 

The hours  

For parents who require full-time care, daycare offers more flexibility with hours compared to preschool, which follows the public school operating hours, roughly 7 am to 2:30 pm. These programs also follow holiday breaks and close for inclement weather and the summer. 

Parents have the flexibility of full-time or half-day preschool programs, and some facilities allow younger children to attend depending on their age. 

Daycare is more of a full-time childcare program. Services start early in the morning and run later to accommodate parent’s work schedules. Most centers are open throughout the year including holidays and summers and may accept school-age children while on breaks. 

Final Thought 

Many kids attend daycare for its accessibility, year-round availability, and flexibility. However, those exposed to preschool from age three + are more prepared socially and academically when it’s time to enter kindergarten. Researching to learn the differences is a key first step to finding the program most beneficial for your child. 

You could benefit from both daycare and preschool depending on your workday and the preschool operating hours. 

In the best Aurora, Colorado, preschool environment, parents have peace of mind knowing their kids are developing a love for learning and will be confident and self-motivated moving forward in their educational careers.