Why More Families Are Choosing Licensed Dayhomes Like Discovery Tots
For families with young children, selecting a childcare provider is one of the most important decisions they will make. With several types of early learning environments available, it can be difficult to determine what will best support your child’s growth, development, and emotional well-being. While daycares and preschools are well-known options, more parents are now turning to licensed dayhomes as a trusted and balanced solution.
As a childcare professional with more than many years of experience in licensed childcare, program development, and family support services, we understand the complex needs of both children and caregivers. The right early environment should nurture curiosity, foster secure relationships, and provide meaningful learning experiences. It should also support the practical realities of working families.
This article outlines the core differences between daycares, preschools, and dayhomes, and explains why families across Calgary, Chestermere and Red Deer, are choosing Discovery Tots for licensed, enriched care in a home-based setting.
What Is a Licensed Dayhome?
A dayhome is a licensed childcare program operated within a caregiver’s private residence. Unlike larger centers, dayhomes are limited to small group sizes and offer a warm, consistent environment where children receive highly individualized attention. These programs support children from infancy through age five and are designed to feel like an extension of the family home.
At Discovery Tots, our licensed dayhomes are professionally supported and held to high standards of safety, quality, and developmentally appropriate practice. Every educator in our network receives ongoing training and operational support. This ensures that families can count on a consistent, nurturing environment that grows with their child.
Comparing Dayhomes, Daycares, and Preschools
Each care model has its strengths. Understanding how they differ can help parents make a confident decision based on their child’s needs and their family’s routine.
Daycares are typically full-day, year-round programs in center-based settings. They serve children from birth to five years and provide care that aligns with working parents’ schedules. While many centers offer group activities and structured play, the larger group sizes can limit one-on-one interaction and personalized routines.
Preschools generally serve children aged three to five and operate during the school year. Their focus is often on school readiness, including early literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Preschools may run for part of the day and often follow academic calendars with closures during holidays and summer months. For families needing full-day or year-round care, preschool schedules may not be sufficient.
Licensed dayhomes, like those offered through Discovery Tots, combine the reliability of full-day care with the developmental benefits of early education. Children benefit from a home-like setting, stable relationships, and consistent routines, while families appreciate the flexibility and personal connection that comes with small group care.
Why Families Choose Discovery Tots
At Discovery Tots, we offer more than childcare. We provide trusted, licensed environments where children feel secure, supported, and inspired to learn. Our program is rooted in a deep understanding of child development and a commitment to helping families thrive.
Safe and Licensed Environments
Every Discovery Tots dayhome is fully licensed and held to rigorous provincial standards. We ensure that all spaces are safe, clean, and suited to the developmental needs of young children. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are cared for in secure and welcoming settings.
Learning That Follows the Child
Our programs adapt to the needs of each developmental stage. Infants and toddlers are given the emotional support they need to explore the world around them. As children grow, we introduce early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning through hands-on experiences and play-based exploration.
Support for Both Parents and Educators
Unlike many independent programs, Discovery Tots offers comprehensive support behind the scenes. We provide training and resources to educators so they can focus on delivering high-quality care. Families benefit from clear communication, reliable operations, and consistency across every dayhome.
Enrichment That Brings Childhood to Life
Discovery Tots integrates enrichment into every child’s day. Our families enjoy seasonal celebrations, music classes, nature walks, and even special visits like animal encounters. These experiences help children develop confidence, cooperation, and a lifelong love of learning.
What to Consider When Choosing Childcare
The best childcare environment depends on several factors, including your child’s temperament, your family’s routine, and your priorities for early development. Consider asking yourself:
- Will my child receive individualized attention and build secure relationships?
- Is the setting warm, familiar, and responsive to emotional needs?
- Does the program support early learning through developmentally appropriate methods?
- Are the hours and schedule compatible with our daily life?
- Do I feel confident leaving my child in this environment each day?
Families who answer yes to these questions often find that a licensed dayhome is the best fit. With its small group size, responsive care, and flexible scheduling, the dayhome model offers a reassuring balance between nurturing and structured learning.
Summary: The Discovery Tots Difference
Licensed dayhomes offer a compelling alternative to traditional daycare and preschool settings. They provide:
- A safe, home-based environment with consistent routines
- Low educator-to-child ratios and personalized attention
- Year-round, full-day care that adapts to real family needs
- Developmentally rich learning guided by experienced educators
At Discovery Tots, we combine these benefits with a level of professional support that families can rely on. We are proud to partner with parents in Calgary and Chestermere who are looking for trusted, high-quality care during their child’s most important early years.
Let’s Talk About Your Child’s Care
If you are exploring childcare options and want to provide your child with a secure, enriching, and developmentally supportive start, Discovery Tots is ready to help. Our licensed dayhomes offer more than care. We offer a place where children can grow, learn, and feel at home.
To book a meet and greet, tour, or learn more about our programs, call (403) 618-8757 or visit discoverytots.ca.