Does your family need part-time or full-time daycare? According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 59 percent of children ages five and under were in some type of nonparental care arrangement at least once a week in 2019. If your child is ready to join the many infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in child care, take a look at the questions to ask before you set a full or part-time schedule.

What Is Your Typical Work Schedule?

If you only work half-days or a few days each week, you won't necessarily need to put your child in care on a full-time schedule. But this doesn't mean you have to choose part-time daycare. Your reduced hour or part-time schedule gives you options. 

The number of hours you work per week may allow you to choose a partial-day or partial-week program and spend more time with your child or save money on the cost of care. While some parents do choose a care schedule that directly matches the hours they work, others don't. Even though you don't need to put your child in full-time care, you may still want to. 

Do You Need Extra Time In Your Day?

How can a full-time care schedule help a parent who works part-time hours? Work isn't the only thing that takes up time in your busy day. If you prefer not to bring your child to the grocery store, to the dentist for your bi-annual cleaning, or on your daily errands, consider a full-time child care schedule. This gives you the chance to get everything done efficiently—and provides your child with a fun-filled, educational way to spend their day.

Does Your Child Need An Easy Entry Into School?

Separation anxiety is an issue many families struggle with. If your child needs to warm up to the idea of full-day or full-week school, explore the part-time options. A modified care schedule gives your child the opportunity to feel more comfortable in the early childhood environment. 

Does Your Child Enjoy a Social Setting?

Child care is more than a safe place for your toddler or preschooler to go while you are at work or school. Early childhood programs are social settings that can help your child to build crucial skills and make their first friends. If your child is always searching for someone else to play with or enjoys meeting new people, a full-time schedule provides more of the social types of activities they already enjoy. 

If your child doesn't absolutely adore socializing, a full-time schedule may still offer benefits. The more time your child spends with others, whether it's with other children along or with adult staff members, the more chances they'll have to build social skills.