should i take my daughter to a day care at the age of two?

Answer 1

I would highly suggest it, especially if she isn't around other children. Research all your local preschools and visit each of them before deciding. Preschools are great for kids, if the correct one is chosen. From experience, kids pick up great social skills and verbal skills. Constantly being around other children helps in both these areas. Also, if she stays in preschool until she starts kindergarten, they are great for getting a child ready for school. They teach them their alphabet and how to write their name and such.

I really do recommend it.

Answer 2

My husband and I were very skeptical about taking our children to another daycare due to a bad experience that we had at an in-home daycare after being there only a few months. We finally decided to give it another go when our son was 2 and our daughter was 1. They attend a Montessori school/daycare and it has been the best experience for them. I could tell the difference in them within two weeks. They learn and get to associate with other children and learn lots of social types of things that we parents just can't teach at home. I say that you should do whatever you want to do, and what is of course affordable for you. You've always got the option to do 1/2 days, and you're always more than welcome to come and check in on any daycare whenever you want. Or you could start your own daycare. good luck with whatever you decide! =)

Answer 3

As a teacher that works in a day care with two year olds, I think day care is a great idea if you are not able to stay home with your child. If you can afford it, others might say to get an au pair or nanny.
Children learn so much in day care even if that child is only placed in part-time, like two days a week or only going in the morning. Socialization skills are learning like playing and sharing. Fine motor, language, large motor, and sensory areas are worked on every day. As your child gets older, they will be learning about ABC's and 123's. How to write there name. If you choose not to put your child in day care now, at least consider putting them in when they are a little older for pre-school or pre-k. This way they have a heads up on some of the other children when they get to kindergarten.
A great way to search for a day care is to go to the National Association for the Education of Young Children website www.naeyc.org. This organization holds higher standards then the local state agencies. If no NAEYC accredited centers available in your area, then check with your local state license agency for a list of day cares.
If you do plan on putting your child in day care, then check into as many centers as possibles. Even if you think you have found "the one" on your second try. Make sure the centers has low child to teacher ratios. Ask lots of questions and maybe have a list of question for your won't go blank.
Hope this helps! :)

Answer 4

If she's the only child at home, daycare would be good for her socialization, and it will be fun for her. She will begin to learn structure from someone other than mom and dad, and the transition to regular school will be easier for her. If you're concerned about her going full days, most places take half day kids. My daughter is in daycare about 9 hours a day during the week because my husband and I have really odd work schedules. She doesn't suffer for it, she loves "school." If I were able to stay home with her, I'd still have her go half days a few days a week just for the socialization.

Answer 5

I have 4 kids and they have all been to daycares from the age of 6 weeks, I did not have the luxury to stay at home, do your research on the daycare first, check them with DCFS and also ask them for refrences of past and present parents, then actually call and talk to these people, make sure it is a reputable one, also, they will let you go there for a tour and you should plan to stay at least an hour so you can watch how they interact with the children. Also, make sure you take a list of questions to ask. Daycare is good specially if it is school focused. Make sure of that. Also, make sure it is one that has a set routine. This helps children a lot. you will see how much it will help your child to have other kids to interact with as well as how much they learn.

Answer 6

Only if you can't take care of her at home. I used to work in a preschool and I know I could never put my children into day care. Just think you are one person with one child, in a daycare it's going to be one person with about eight children depending on your states licensing ratios. If your worried about your child not learning don't be- she's so young, but you can always teach her the important stuff at home and take her to a daycare when she's older.
The most important thing for her is social interaction. Instead of day care I suggest you look into play groups where she can meet other kids her age and you could meet other parents- it's a win-win situation.

Answer 7

Its really up to you. I would do whatever I could to keep my children out of daycares. Heard to many bad stories and I dont care how good the daycare is, the teachers will always have their favorites. What if your child isnt the favorite? I've seen it first hand.. Never would I want that for my kids. Socialization? yeah its important but you can also schedule play dates with other parents... so then you will have a few afternoons off, your children are getting used to other kids and learning how to socialize and also you trust the parents!
I personally have an au pair in the house to help me because I am a single father. Now I dont have to send my little ones to daycare and I set up a few play dates a week for them!

Answer 8

It's better if you can stay at home and take care of your own children. Because for children that young, I don't think they would enjoy being away from their parents. It's a different thing if you send them while they're still a baby, but now, they're able to recognize people. But if you're working then, I don't think that it's a bad idea. Good thing about sending your child to a day care center is that it can help your child in enhancing her social skills. However, you need to make sure you choose the right center, ask as many question as possible to get more information about the center. In terms of their policy, safety, cleanliness, food and nutrition, emergency, etc.

Answer 9

If you have no choice then the answer should be obvious. If you want to socialize her and put her in for a few half days that's a good idea. Just visit a few and ask a bunch of questions like, does she have to nap and if she doesn't what do they do with her.
Do they provide the meals. Do they do activities and what are they. What is the teacher to child ratio - at that age it should be around 1:8 or 10. Do they take them outside and what does the playground look like. How do they punish and what things do they punish for. etc. You can even ask for a reference and talk to one of the other parents.

Answer 10

When my son was young, I called the director of a gifted school and asked what age they could be enrolled. She said 4. I asked if she suggested preschool before that. She said, "No." She said she felt it best if the child stayed with the mother until then. I raised two secure kids and am forever grateful for that advice. Some of us moms used to get together at the park and let the toddlers play together, but none of us left our kids.

Answer 11

Daycare is great for social skills, it allows your child to learn to share and make friends. It may also break the clingyness if it is a problem. If you choose a learning daycare center that is even better. Children learn so much through play. It may look like they are playing all day but its so much more! The are learning,dicovering new things,and exploring. Even if part time why not try it! Kindercare Learning Center is a great center if you have one in your area!