Choosing the right time to introduce your child to daycare is one of the most personal decisions a parent will make. There is no universal “best” age that suits every child or family. What matters most is aligning your decision with your child’s developmental needs, your family’s schedule, and the type of care environment you trust to support both.
Licensed dayhomes offer a unique opportunity to start this journey with confidence. With small group sizes, consistent caregivers, and a familiar home setting, dayhomes are an ideal choice for children from infancy through preschool. At Discovery Tots, we partner with families across Calgary, Chestermere and Red Deer to provide licensed, enriched care that supports every stage of a child’s early development.
Understanding Readiness by Age
Infants can begin daycare as early as a few months old. During this stage, children rely heavily on predictability and emotional attachment. A licensed dayhome provides gentle routines, one-on-one attention, and a quiet, calming space that supports feeding, rest, and sensory exploration. Babies build trust and security through consistent care and warm, responsive interactions—key elements of healthy brain development in the first year of life.
Toddlers, generally between 18 and 36 months, show increasing independence and a growing curiosity about the world around them. This is often when children begin to seek interaction with peers and explore more complex social and emotional cues. A small-group childcare setting provides opportunities for toddlers to develop language, practice sharing, and navigate early friendships, all while maintaining the familiarity and structure they still need.
Preschoolers, typically aged three to five, are ready for deeper engagement in learning, cooperation, and problem-solving. These years are ideal for introducing routines that reflect what they will later experience in school, such as following instructions, participating in group activities, and completing tasks with growing independence. Even for children who have not previously been in care, preschool-age entry into a licensed dayhome can provide an excellent foundation for kindergarten readiness.
What Should Families Consider?
Rather than waiting for a specific milestone, consider what will best support your child’s well-being and your family’s overall routine. Every child is different, and each stage presents unique opportunities for growth within a nurturing care environment.
Work and scheduling are often key factors. Many families begin exploring care options as a return to work approaches. A licensed dayhome offers full-day, year-round care with flexibility that accommodates real family needs, making it a practical and reassuring choice.
Your child’s temperament can also help guide your decision. Children who are naturally social may adjust quickly to group settings, while others may need more time and reassurance. The warm, familiar environment of a licensed dayhome supports both types of children, offering personal attention and gradual transitions that respect each child’s pace.
The availability of quality care is another important consideration. Licensed spaces can be limited, especially in high-demand areas like Calgary and Chestermere. Starting your search early gives you time to find a setting that reflects your values and provides the level of safety, communication, and developmental support your child deserves.
Family support systems also play a role. If you have trusted relatives nearby who can help with part-time care in the early months, you may decide to delay formal childcare. If not, beginning with a licensed caregiver from the start can offer peace of mind and consistency that benefits the entire family.
How Discovery Tots Supports Every Stage
At Discovery Tots, we understand that every family’s journey is different. Our licensed dayhomes are designed to support children from birth through age five, with care that evolves alongside each developmental stage.
For infants, our dayhomes offer calm, predictable routines that help babies feel secure and loved. Caregivers focus on one-on-one bonding, gentle stimulation, and building the emotional foundation children need to thrive.
For toddlers, our programs introduce hands-on activities, sensory play, and social interaction in a small-group environment. Toddlers build language skills, learn to cooperate, and gain early independence with guidance from consistent, caring educators.
For preschoolers, we offer a structured day that includes age-appropriate learning through music, movement, storytelling, and play. These activities support school readiness while encouraging confidence, creativity, and social-emotional growth.
Discovery Tots educators receive ongoing professional development and are supported with administrative and operational tools behind the scenes. This allows them to focus fully on the children in their care, creating reliable, high-quality experiences for every family.
Key Takeaways
- There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the best age to start daycare.
- Infants benefit from nurturing routines and secure attachments early in life.
- Toddlers are ready to explore, engage, and develop social skills in small group settings.
- Preschoolers thrive in environments that support early learning, structure, and independence.
- The quality of care matters more than the exact age of entry.
- Discovery Tots offers flexible, licensed dayhome programs that meet children where they are developmentally and support families every step of the way.
Support That Grows With Your Child
Whether your child begins care at six months or four years, what matters most is choosing a setting that feels safe, supportive, and aligned with your values. Discovery Tots offers licensed dayhome programs that meet those expectations, with consistent routines, caring educators, and enriching learning opportunities for every stage.
We’re proud to be a trusted childcare partner for families in Calgary and Chestermere, providing home-based care that supports the emotional, cognitive, and social needs of children from infancy through preschool.
To learn more or to book a meet and great, call (403) 618-8757 or visit discoverytots.ca