Preschool and day care programs are an essential part of the lives of working families. If both parents work, children will need to be put under someone’s care while they are at work. However, preschool and day care programs are not just babysitting services for busy parents, but also help children to learn and to prepare for grade school in their futures. Different preschool and day care programs offer different educational systems and focuses, but they generally all strive to help your children to get ready for their futures.

More than 60% of children attend preschool and day care programs, so not sending your children to a good, educational day care can let them fall behind academically and competitively when compared with their classmates. There are several benefits of private kindergartens and preschools. Aside from helping children to build the math, reading, and thinking skills that they will need in grade school, preschool and day care programs also help children to develop social skills that they will use throughout their lives. Your children will develop these skills in grade school, but if you send them to a preschool with an educational focus, they can start grade school ahead of the curve, which will help them to stay there as they grow older and advance in school.

Choosing a childcare service or choosing a private kindergarten for older children can be difficult. Preschool and day care programs can cost around 6% of a family’s income when both parents work. Sending children to preschool can be a big financial decision for most families. However, the United States does offer programs to help families to pay for day care under certain conditions. Also, some private day cares offer financial assistance and reduced entrance fees for families with certain incomes. Look around for different programs like this to see if you qualify if you are concerned about being able to pay for your children’s day care. Helpful research also found here.