Parenting & Childcare Blog | Children's Land

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Pre-school

Montessori vs Play-Based vs Academic Preschool

Montessori, play-based and academic preschools sound very different, but good programs often share more than their labels suggest. Here is how each approach works, what a day looks like, the strengths and drawbacks of each, and the questions that reveal what a classroom is really like.

Spacious daycare center classroom with play areas and child-size furniture

Toddler

In-Home Daycare vs Daycare Center: Pros and Cons

Home daycare and center-based care can both be great choices. They differ in cost, group size, hours, backup coverage and how the day is structured. Here is an honest side-by-side look for Illinois families, plus questions to ask either type of provider.

Two babies playing with toys on a daycare floor

Infants

What Is the Best Age to Start Daycare?

There is no single best age to start daycare, but each age brings its own pros and cons. Here is what to expect if your child starts as a young baby, around 6 to 9 months, at 1 year or at 2, what research says about quality, and how to pick the right time for your family.

Teddy bear resting in bed with a thermometer

Infants

How Often Do Daycare Kids Get Sick in the First Year?

Most children get sick a lot in their first year of group care, especially from fall through spring. Here is why it happens, what a normal amount of illness looks like, what research says about the years after, and practical ways to cut down on missed workdays.

Pre-school

Free Preschool Screening in Illinois: How Child Find Works

Every Illinois school district must find and evaluate young children who may need extra help, starting at age 3. Here is how free preschool screenings work, what they check, how to request a full evaluation, and what happens if your child qualifies for services.