Page 104 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

HEALTHY LIVING
The experiences your child has early in life help shape their development and set the stage for future success. While parenting and nurturing at home are very important, experiences like day care can also make a big difference. Many working parents choose day
care, sometimes to help their child’s development or social skills. Picking a good day care means thinking about several important factors.
Day care centers usually care for groups of children of similar ages during regular business hours. These centers are often larger than family childcare homes, have several staff members led by a director, and can be privately owned, faith-based, connected to a school, or government-run.
Not every day care center has a
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray license. Some programs that may
operate without a license include school-run early childhood centers, faith-based programs, before- and after-school care, summer camps, and part-time preschool, nursery, or pre- kindergarten programs.
There are three main types of child care outside the home in the U.S.,
and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best choice depends on what works for your child and family.
Center-based child care means group programs with part-time or full-time staff that are licensed to meet safety, health, and staffing rules. Family child care takes place in the caregiver’s home, and licensing rules can vary by state. In-home child care happens in your own home, often with a relative or a nanny looking after your child.
Day care has several benefits, such
as letting parents help shape the curriculum and policies, having well- trained staff, lots of playmates for
your child, reliable care year-round, and extra activities like music, health checks, and field trips. The most important thing to look for is the quality of care. Good day care means caregivers who respond to children, keep them engaged, and provide a safe, healthy place.
Regardless of day care, home life, or parental interaction, these factors are most important for child development. Having lots of positive time and
good communication with parents
and siblings is key. These family relationships have a bigger impact on your child’s development than anything related to day care.
104 | April 2026 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living