What Is The Difference Between Daycare and Preschool? 

As a proud Texas parent, you take great care in deciding what is best for your child.  Those decisions include what you do about their future education.  

Should they go to preschool or daycare in Plano, TX, and what the is the difference between daycare and preschool? How do you know what is best for them and their growing, developing minds?

We understand that it can be overwhelming when searching for the differences between daycare and preschool because the two terms are used interchangeably by so many. But the truth is they are two different programs! 

So as educators and childcare professionals, we here at TLC Schools thought we would help you distinguish the difference between the two! 

Daycare/Childcare

Daycare or Childcare, as we call it, is typically for infants and toddlers from 6 weeks of age to 2 years old.  Childcare is a service provided by certified professionals to take care of children while the parents are otherwise engaged with work or school.  

Childcare is not considered “school”; however, an abundant amount of learning does take place.  For example, we know that a child’s brain is rapidly developing during this time frame, so we encourage learning through play and work on fine motor skills, language development, and hands-on learning! 

Our curriculum is all about stimulating their curiosity about the world and letting them explore independently but also scheduling time for assisted learning and activities.  

Here at TLC Schools, we offer Infant Childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 12 months and Toddler Childcare for ages 1-2. Each classroom is safe, age-appropriate, and filled with various activities, learning materials, and play areas for the children to learn, grow and have fun! 

Preschool

Early childhood education is extremely important to a child’s development.  Countless studies have been conducted to show that preschool is essential and is considered to be the “most important year” in children’s education and development. 

Preschool offers a more structured learning environment compared to daycare because it is meant to help children prepare for kindergarten and continued early education! 

The benefits and opportunities that preschool provides are endless for children starting from the age of 2. 

Once your child reaches that pivotal milestone, they are able to start learning at a much faster rate than any other time in their lives.  It is during this time that they learn foundational skills that will help them throughout their lives.

These benefits, opportunities, and skills can include: 

• Learning to follow directions
• Social skills (Communication, manners, sharing, etc.)
• Emotional development (Understanding and controlling feelings) 
• Physical development
• Fine motor skill enhancement 
• Computer education
• Language development 

Here at our school, we have a 2-year-old classroom, a 3-year-old classroom, and a pre-k classroom to ensure that every child learns at an appropriate level for their age. 

Interested In Registering Your Child For Our Childcare Or Preschool Curriculum?

If you have searched for daycares or preschools in Plano, your search can officially end here at TLC Schools.  Our award-winning curriculums and dedicated teachers set us apart from the rest.  We are passionate about education and shaping the young minds that will one day run the nation! 

To learn more about what we offer, browse our website, read our blogs and schedule a virtual tour today!