There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when attempting to find the right early childhood education and care to suit your needs and busy schedule as working parents. Whether you decide to go with more formal early childhood education such as daycare, or an informal option like home-based care, certain factors are worth considering. Here are some of the pros and cons. For many parents going back to work, choosing a childcare option can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make. We know leaving your most treasured possessions in another person’s hands can be a little unnerving. However, weighing up each option's pros and cons can help to ensure that you make the right decision based on your individual needs.

Long daycare*

Pros
  • Often include an early education component to their programs.
  • Offer structure and routine.
  • Staff have childcare qualifications.
  • Children are generally not impacted if one early childhood educator is ill, as there are multiple educators and/or caregivers.
  • Often open 7am-6pm (suitable for parents working 9am to 5pm).
  • Children get to interact with lots of other children (socialising is important for development).
Cons
  • Children don’t receive as much individual one-on-one attention.
  • It’s expensive, especially in cosmopolitan areas.
  • There are late fees when you're not on time to pick up your child.
  • Children have increased exposure to illness. 
  • Because it is out-of-home care, drop-offs and pick-ups can be stressful (especially in peak traffic or with tired children).

Family daycare

Pros
  • More affordable than other options. 
  • Most children are comfortable in a home environment.
  • Caregivers usually have their own children at home with them.
  • Smaller groups can mean tighter bonds.
  • Less chance of illness spreading in smaller groups.
  • Flexible hours mean you can arrange care to fit around your schedule.
  • Kids interact with other kids of varying ages (but this can be a negative for some kids).
Cons
  • Childcare qualifications are not required in all states of Australia.
  • If the caregiver is ill, your family will be impacted and you will need to make alternative arrangements.
  • Education programs may not be as sophisticated as those offered in other centres.
  • The range of toys, equipment and activities on offer may be limited.
  • You often need to provide your child’s own nappies and food.

Nanny**

Pros
  • A flexible arrangement that caters to your family’s specific needs.
  • Your child receives one-on-one, consistent care.
  • Less contact with other kids means less exposure to common childhood illnesses.
  • Routines do not change as your child remains in their home environment.
  • No travelling for drop-offs and pick-ups. 
  • Nannies usually have relevant childcare qualifications, and some help with light household tasks.
Cons
  • Your child misses out on a structured education program.
  • Less opportunity for your child to interact socially with other children.
  • If your nanny is sick, you need to make alternative arrangements.
  • There’s a risk your nanny may leave without notice.
  • If you employ a nanny directly, you’re also responsible for paying their tax, superannuation, insurance and workers’ compensation payments.
  • Can be an expensive option.

Au pair**

Pros
  • A flexible arrangement that usually caters to specific family needs.
  • Your child receives one-on-one, consistent care.
  • Less contact with other kids means less exposure to common childhood illnesses.
  • Routines do not change as your child remains in their home environment.
  • No travelling for drop-offs and pick-ups.
  • Au pairs are usually very affordable.
Cons
  • Your child misses out on a structured education program.
  • Less opportunity for your child to interact socially with other children.
  • If your au pair is sick, you need to make alternative arrangements.
  • Au pairs usually do not have qualifications and may leave without notice.
  • Au pairs are live-in, so there are additional challenges to navigate such as privacy, living/lifestyle arrangements, varying values, etc.
Adapted from an original article by Mynder.   *Like long day care, occasional care is a form of centre-based care that offers many of the same benefits, however with shorter opening hours. It can also be more affordable. Before and after school care is another form of outside-the-home care for school-aged children. **Nannies and au pairs fall within the home-based care category. You might also consider using a grandparent or other relative to provide home-based care, or a babysitter for occasional care.