Montessori Vs Daycare

Montessori-Vs-Daycare
Montessori-Vs-Daycare

Montessori and daycare centers might seem the same at a glance. But they are far different from each other. But when it comes to picking one for your infant, things can become confusing. For parents, it might be hard to differentiate between both.

Well, if you’re searching for Montessori vs daycare, then here’s the essential information we don’t want you to miss:

Montessori Vs Daycare
Montessori Vs Daycare

The main difference between both is the pace of discovery and methodology used. The philosophy of Montessori education mainly focuses on students’ interests.

While in daycare, academies are preferred over arts and craft play. Montessori emphasizes thought development and emotional intelligence, while kids need to follow instructions and fixed schedules in daycare centers. 

Is that all? Well, unfortunately, not. The personality and development of your infant can be affected in both good and bad ways by your single decision.

Lucky for you, we have collaborated with the professional and have done our detailed research to guide you properly. So, sit back and keep on reading for a more clear picture.

Difference Between Daycare vs Montessori Explained

Imagine going back in time and doing all the things that interest you the most. This is the Montessori philosophy for you. On the contrary, daycare centers choose a pre-decided path for you.

In easy words, Montessori is like finding your own interests, while daycare centers are more strict and centered on academic achievements.

Montessori vs Traditional Daycare Outcome

Well, both institutes are a blessing for parents and children. They play a vital role in the grooming and growth of your infant. Have a quick look at the outcome of both for a better understanding:

ActivityMontessori Daycare 
Learning ModeInterest BasedPre-Decided
Kid’s ScheduleFlexibleStrict
Teacher AttachmentYesNew Instructor Each Year
Noise LevelMinimalRelatively High
Discipline TacticsIntentionalUnintentional
Teacher TrainingEach YearVery Rare
Children ExposureSelf LearningRigid
Life Skill LearningMostly FocusedUsually Ignored
  • The strict environment of daycare turns your child into a person who constantly needs instructions.
  • If you want to practice a positive parenting approach, then the Montessori education center is ideal for you.
  • Well, if you’re planning to send your children to a boarding school abroad, then you should prefer daycare centers.
  • The special feature that makes Montessori the first choice of many parents, it regularly conducts skill enhancement training for teachers.
  • Being a parent, the one thing that I really hate is daycare centers give more priority to academic achievements while ignoring soft skills.

Montessori vs Daycare Cost

Daycare centers are more affordable than regular Montessori centers. Usually, it costs around $20K to $25K per year to keep the child in Montessori while $15K to $18K in daycare.

Well, one way or another, only parents can decide that weather which center will suit them most depending on their budget and parent approach.

So, for better understanding, have a detailed look at the effects of daycare and Montessori on your child’s growth and behavior.

Effect Of Daycare On Child Development

Generally, the daycare center is considered best for working and single mothers. Also, it provides an additional mind peace that the toddler is in good and practical hands.

Effect Of Daycare On Child Development
Effect Of Daycare On Child Development

Many parents may have problems with the strict environment and Rigid learning methods, but it also has many positive impacts too.

Positive Effects Of Daycare On Child Development

The best outcome is that your little one discovers that resilience and strong academic skill is just the cherry on top.

1. Behaving The Right Way

Due to the fixed and rigid schedule, your little one will adapt to behave positively and the right way in social gatherings or solitude. Mostly the kids are busy playing in the teams, so this activity helps them to socialize and make friends more easily.

This also helps them to adjust to a new school. In daycares, the caregivers mainly focus on positive social skills and prosocial behavior. By doing so, they promote empathy and patience among young minds.

2. Foundation For Academic Excellence

Education begins from the lap of the mother. But sometimes we don’t have either enough time or the right skill. This is where daycare centers help the parents. They are exceptionally well for laying out excellent academic skills for your toddler.

The caregivers are trained to polish their literacy and phonetics skills. This is great because the kid starts learning and writing even before enrolling in school.

3. Boost Confidence And Communication

Children are divided into several groups depending on their age or learning level. Over time, new teachers and students are introduced to boost their communication skills.

By doing so, your kid is expected to make new friends more comfortably, and this is great for their adaption and confidence. When the kids are more confident, they learn more and aren’t shy about asking questions.

Eventually, it’s great for discovering new ideas.

Negative Effects Of Daycare On Child Development

Frankly, I have a major problem with the idea of categorizing kids on the basis of their learning skills.

Negative Effects Of Daycare On Child Development
Negative Effects Of Daycare On Child Development

Well, surely all children are different. But unintentionally, this promotes negative competition among each other.

1. Always Striving For Betterment 

As Leo Tolstoy wrote, “ if you look for perfection, you’ll never be content.” The idea of daycare may seem perfect for the short term, but eventually, it’s going to be a time bomb for your child’s mental stability.

They will always be striving for the better. By doing so, their focus will mainly shift to winning rather than learning.

It may seem exaggerated, but there are higher chances of depression and anxiety among kids who spend 30 hours per week in daycares.

2. Weaker Family Attachment

On average, a toddler spends 9 hours in the daycare, and after coming home, it is mostly either nap or playtime. So, how can parents think that their kids will be attached to them? When the only time we are giving them is the weekend.

This leads to severe personality disorders and attachment insecurity issues. In the worst case, they may suffer low self-esteem issues too.

Is Daycare Considered School?

No, daycare centers are not considered a replacement for traditional schools. They just provide care and nurturing when the parents are not available. In such centers, children are taught social and behavioral skills rather than proper learning.

Is Daycare Good For Child Development?

No, Unfortunately, daycare centers are not good for a child’s growth and development. They actually focus on discipline, feeding, or changing dirty diapers rather than on the things your toddler really needs.

With minimal play time and a fixed schedule, your child won’t be able to learn and develop any emotional intelligence. 

Pros And Cons Of Montessori

Generally speaking, Montessori is far better than daycare. With fun activities and social skill adaptations, they focus on what your children want and deserve. But it doesn’t mean that there is no other side of the picture.

Pros And Cons Of Montessori
Pros And Cons Of Montessori

There are also some flaws along with the perks too.

Advantage Of Montessori

The best thing about such child centers is that they are very calm and have low noise levels. This means they have a better learning environment. 

1. Focus On Soft Skills And Independence

There is no fixed schedule in the Montessori. A kid can play anytime or take a nap whenever they feel like it. Usually, in the first few weeks, the caregivers mainly focus on finding the subject that interests the most to your toddler.

Then, they create a learning environment and ensure that every kid matters socially and has at least one soft skill.

2. Better Learning Opportunities

Apart from working on the child’s interest subject, Montessori caregivers also introduce new subjects over time. The best thing is that a child is associated with the same teacher for at least 3 to 5 years.

Kids build a special attachment and won’t be shy to ask any questions. This boosts their confidence and special teacher training is conducted regularly to ensure that the caregiver also has up-to-date skills and required knowledge.

3. Building Emotional Intelligence

Building emotional intelligence among kids is the most valuable thing. It helps to keep them engaged in learning activities and enables them to manage expressing emotions effectively. 

Teaching them patience in early childhood is very important, and this keeps them safe from having anger issues or being derailed. Overall, it is the ability that a child must have.

It helps them to express themselves properly, and eventually, they respect other people’s opinions without judging them.

Disadvantages Of Montessori Method

To start with, in big cities, there is a certain criteria for enrolling your kid in a good Montessori center.

Disadvantages Of Montessori Method
Disadvantages Of Montessori Method

Many parents also argue about how toddlers can choose the right interest or field when academics are evolving. 

1. It Is Very Expensive

Due to the high standards of learning and calm environments, parents have to pay a hefty lump sum of money each year. Also, they occasionally held different theme parties where kids are expected to participate and dress up properly.

On average, you have to spend an additional $3000 per year apart from the official dues.

2. Very Limited Social Interactions

Usually, Montessori facilities have a small number of enrolled students. So, the children have very limited interaction with other communities and classes. Additionally, one teacher teaches for a prolonged time.

So, mostly they have a huge impact on social behavior. Due to minimal exposure, they might face issues settling in the new school or place, which will be a parental nightmare.

What Type Of Child Thrives In Montessori? 

Extra care is provided to every child in Montessori. That’s why it is considered best for kids with anger issues, special needs, or exceptionally talented skills. 

There is no restriction for enrolling the children. Mostly, the caregivers keep toddlers busy with sensory activities, which enhance their learning and thinking skills.

Is Montessori Better Than Daycare?

Based on our research and after going through several reviews, I can safely say that Montessori is way better than traditional daycare centers.

Is Montessori Better Than Daycare
Is Montessori Better Than Daycare

The kids learn empathy and explore the World with their own vision, which boosts their confidence and ensures a stable emotional level. Its high fee might be an issue for many parents, but the advanced learning environment justifies it.

Daycare vs Montessori FAQs

Why is Montessori so popular?

The Montessori method focuses on nurturing the child’s behavior with intellectual thinking and promotes empathy. It is popular because it focuses on kids’ interests rather than teaching pre-fixed courses.

Is daycare bad for babies?

Yes, leaving your baby in a daycare center for over 30 hours a week has a negative impact on your child’s development. 

They don’t feel connected with their parents and mostly focus on thriving for academic excellence, which promotes negative competition.

How much daycare is too much?

Never leave your kid in a daycare center for more than 25 hours a week. In early childhood, you must practice the proximal parenting method to build a strong relationship. 

What age is best for daycare?

12 months is the ideal age to enroll your baby in a daycare center. Usually, they can adjust and adapt to the environment easily at this young age. 18 months of age is considered the worst age to leave a toddler in daycare. 

Why Montessori is expensive?

Montessori has a low student/teacher ratio. These centers ensure quality teaching, and also they regularly conduct teacher training. 
Usually, they have a school facility with a nice setup.

All these facilities add up the price and make it expensive.

How much does Montessori cost per month?

On average, you are expected to spend over $1400 as a fee. Usually, the charges are on a yearly basis. The cost may vary depending on the State, area, and age of the children.

Can Montessori work in public schools?

Yes, it does work in public schools. Most States have a Montessori on the premises of schools. So that toddlers can easily adjust to the environment. 

Wrapping It Up!

Both Montessori and daycare centers are a big relief for working parents. You can leave your kid and be assured that they are in safe hands. Though with many benefits, Montessori is way better than a traditional daycare center.

Keep in mind that finding weekend daycare centers is hard rather to looking for an overnight Montessori. Regardless of your emergency or preferences, it is best to never leave your child in any of them over 30 hours per week.

Ensure to be available anytime when your kid needs you to maintain a warm relationship. Remember, nothing is more important than the well-being of your little one. We hope that with this article, we were able to guide you properly.

Well, in the meantime, be healthy and keep on enjoying the motherhood moments.

Sylvie White
Sylvie was born and raised in France. In 2010, she came to Newyork for studies and fell into the spell of central park. In 2018, she gave birth to beautiful twin daughters “Lilly and Rosa.” Having a degree in Early Childhood Education helps her a lot during nurturing. An experienced mommy on a mission to guide for the best.