Enrolling your child in a childcare center means the family’s daily routine is changing. Many parents have a hard time deciding between a center that is closer to their home or where they work. Here, Great Beginnings in Cottleville and St. Charles, MO, explains the benefits and drawbacks of each option, so you can choose the ideal location for your child.  

Close to Home

Pros

There are many advantages to choosing child care or day care near your home. This location makes it easy for both parents to share drop-off and pick-up duties throughout the week. Being close to the house also allows you to go back and retrieve forgotten items that might be necessary during the day. Most importantly, your children will become friends with classmates who live in the neighborhood.  

Cons

Sending your child to a nearby childcare center is comforting for stay-at-home parents, but it can be stressful for those who work in another community. Needing to travel can make it difficult to respond to emergency situations quickly or spend extra time saying goodbye if your child experiences separation anxiety.

Close to Work

Pros

Choosing a childcare center close to work means you will have company during your commute. This time gives you the opportunity to bond and share a few laughs before the day begins. If an emergency arises in the middle of the day, you are right around the corner to take care of it. 

Cons

Being close to your childcare center can provide peace of mind throughout the day, but it can also create a conflict if they get sick. You have leave work to pick them up and bring them home. In some cases, you might also need to stay home for the rest of the day. Attending a childcare center outside the neighborhood can even make arranging play dates difficult, as your child is more likely to have friends who live close to your job instead of the house.

Great Beginnings offers two convenient locations in Cottleville and St. Charles, so area parents can choose the option that fits into their lifestyle. Both childcare centers offer high-quality programming that instills a love of learning and prepares kids for kindergarten and beyond. Call the Cottleville facility at (636) 447-4212 or the St. Charles location at (636) 724-5048 to discuss enrollment, and visit their website for more information about their educational programs.