If you must use one which I'm assuming you do, Most of them are alright as long as their licenced, and have some references

Spreading of viruses and/or diseases. One child brings it in, the others take it home. "All for one and one for all". Criminal background checks should be made on all child day care center workers.

I would feel much better with a Center, rather than a home if I don't personally know the person. As long as the facility is clean, licensed, and I can drop by anytime without notice. I only would use these if both parents are working, and only during their working hours. If only one parent is working, there is no reason... NO REASON the other parent cannot raise their child barring a serious medical condition or mental illness.

Plus. Child learns to be away from Mom, learns communication, playing, sharing and team skills. Gives Mom a break so that when both are together, it's more likely to be quality time.

some are good, some are bad, but they're all way too expensive.

Neither. It's a service, and some people provide a good service, and others do not.

there are some that are good but there are also some that are bad. i used to work for a well known day care center. i was there for almost 3 years. i would not send my dog there let alone send my child there. people were paying good money to send their child there in the hopes that they would be taken care of to the utmost level. that is not always the case. the place where i worked, there was no discipline, kids could do pretty much whatever they wanted to do and use whatever language they wanted. my advice to you is to check out not only the place you are sending you child to but also the people who is running the place. some places do run background checks on people and some places dont. the place i worked for had a person working there for 4 months who had a felony on their record for drug trafficking before they got rid of him. dont just take their word for it either. do your own research. know who your child is being watched by. drop in unannounced occasionally. you have the right to do that. one can never be too safe out there in the world today especially when it comes to our children. good luck.

There is definitly pluses and minuses. In addition to background checks and a open door policy I would want a daycare center that has cameras which allow you with a password to view your child via computer while you are at work/school.

Well like everything there are good and bad aspects about them... Good because the child learns social skills and learns how to interact with other kids, they tend not to get separation anxiety, they are engaged in hands-on activities and learning games. Bad because while in childcare, they are constantly, year round, exposed to germs and sicknesses. And very bad because childcare costs A FORTUNE!!!! I am paying about $400 a week!!! The absolute ONLY reason I have stuck it out (husband never really wanted me to quit working) is that once my last child starts Kindgergarten (this fall) that cost will go down to less than $100 per week!!

Good side of child care centers is first finding the right one, doing a back ground check is so important, children need to interact and become social with other children it's a great experience starting at age 2 is best. The bad is sometimes your child/children will get sick though their immune systems will become stronger, you need to make sure both you and your children are comfortable with the place you choose. Best thing to do is a back ground check then make a visit to introduce the place to your children and so that you will meet the people first hand who will be taking care of your children.

They vary. You have to visit each one and evaluate it for yourself. You should just stop in and not give them any warning by calling. I remember visiting one, when I was trying to find a place for my 2 year old daughter, where they had just finished eating lunch. The woman took a wet washcloth and washed 2 or 3 faces, dipped it in a bucket of water and washed 2 or 3 more. I never went back to that day care.

Like some have said it has it's good and bad sides . I personally stayed home with all 5 of my girls . Only because I could . Not all Moms can . I was lucky . We lived pay check to pay check . But we made it . I just so happen to have an in home daycare . To where all my kiddos come by me by word of mouth . I sit for a teacher , teacher in training , a police officer , and a FBI agent . I have an open door policy . Which I feel puts the parents at ease . I keep my doors locked . But they can come by for a visit ANY time . I let them walk all through out my house , open up doors and check in at any time . I email them and they email me thorugh out the day to check in . I send them pics. over the computer of their children . To help put them at ease . I have a full nursery for sleep only , and a playroom for play only . I feel when you make a decision to choose a provider . Make sure that whom ever it is that you choose . Is dedicated to your child . That the home is a "Home away from Home" atmosphere . I would personally choose an in home daycare setting. As they usually can only have 4 or 5 children at a time in their home . It gives your child time to develope social skills . And the teacher is not bombarded by 10 children in her classroom . But if and when you choose in home verses daycare . Make sure that the provider has an open door policy . Meaning that when your child is in their home . You are able to come and go as you please to check in on your child . None of my parents have exercised that right as of yet . I think only because they have known someone else that has their child with me . And feels comfortable with me by the references their friends or co-workers give ......

diffrent centers are either good or badhowever it also really relys on how long / often you leave your kids there. If they are there for short 1-2 hour sessions maybe 2 times a week they would be fine. But to long away from parents can lead to many unwanted developments in your childs mentle self

They play an important role in assisting parents and children who need them, so I suppose they are a good institution.