Choosing childcare for your child is one of the most important decisions a parent makes. For families in Chicago, two primary options dominate the search: home daycares and daycare centers. Both are licensed and regulated by the state of Illinois, but they offer very different experiences for children and families.
Here’s an honest look at the key differences — so you can make the choice that’s right for your family.
What Is a Home Daycare?
A home daycare is a licensed childcare program run out of a private residence by a certified provider. In Illinois, home daycares are regulated by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and must meet strict standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-caregiver ratios.
Home daycares like Early Milestones operate with a deliberately small number of children, allowing providers to give each child individualized, consistent care in a warm, home-like setting.
What Is a Daycare Center?
A daycare center is a licensed childcare facility housed in a commercial or institutional building. Centers are typically organized into separate rooms by age group and employ multiple staff members. Centers can accommodate larger numbers of children and often offer longer hours or extended-care programs.
Key Differences at a Glance
1. Child-to-Caregiver Ratio
This is one of the most important factors in early childhood care — the fewer children per caregiver, the more attention and responsiveness each child receives.
- Home daycare: Illinois limits licensed home daycares to a small total number of children, ensuring a low ratio by design.
- Daycare center: Ratios vary by age group. Infant rooms at centers may have 1 caregiver per 4 infants; toddler rooms may be 1 per 6 or more.
For infants and young toddlers especially, a lower ratio means more responsive caregiving, which research links to stronger attachment and better developmental outcomes.
2. Environment and Atmosphere
- Home daycare: Children spend the day in a real home — familiar furniture, cozy spaces, and a quieter atmosphere. This is especially comforting for infants and toddlers who are still developing their sense of security.
- Daycare center: Center environments are purpose-built for childcare but are typically busier, louder, and more institutional. For some children, the energy is stimulating; for others, it can be overwhelming.
3. Consistency of Caregivers
- Home daycare: Your child develops a close relationship with one primary caregiver who knows their personality, routines, preferences, and quirks.
- Daycare center: Children may interact with multiple staff members throughout the day. Staff turnover can also mean your child’s primary caregiver changes over time.
Consistency of caregivers is a significant factor in the quality of early attachment — particularly for infants and young toddlers.
4. Curriculum and Approach
- Home daycare: Curriculum is often shaped directly by the provider’s expertise and philosophy. At Early Milestones, our program is play-based and influenced by Jean Piaget, led by Eva Makris, who holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from UIC and is a certified Illinois teacher.
- Daycare center: Centers may use established curricula but implementation quality depends heavily on individual staff members.
5. Cost
- Home daycare: Home daycare tuition is typically comparable to or slightly lower than center-based care, particularly in urban areas like Chicago.
- Daycare center: Centers in Chicago vary widely in cost. High-quality centers in the city can be significantly more expensive than a licensed home daycare.
6. Flexibility
- Home daycare: Providers often have more flexibility around schedule adjustments, individual routines, and communication with parents.
- Daycare center: Centers operate on fixed institutional schedules and policies.
Who Is a Home Daycare Best For?
Home daycare is often the best choice for:
- Infants and young toddlers who benefit most from consistent, low-ratio, home-like care
- Families who value a close relationship between their child and their caregiver
- Parents who want more direct communication with the person caring for their child
- Families looking for a warm, less institutional setting for their child’s early years
Who Is a Daycare Center Best For?
Centers may be a better fit for:
- Older preschoolers who are ready for a more structured, school-like environment
- Families who need extended hours beyond what most home daycares can offer
- Children who thrive with more social stimulation and larger peer groups
Our Philosophy at Early Milestones
At Early Milestones Home Daycare in Chicago, we believe the home daycare model offers something special for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers: the feeling of a second home. Under the care of Eva Makris — a certified teacher with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education — your child grows in a nurturing, stimulating environment where they are known, valued, and guided as an individual.
If you’re considering home daycare for your child, we’d love to meet your family. Schedule a visit →
Published by Early Milestones Home Daycare | 6125 Waveland Ave., Chicago, IL 60634 | (773) 988-5886