Difference between Daycare and Childcare

Key Difference: A daycare or childcare refers to an institution that provides care and supervision to infants and young children in the absence of their legal parents. However, daycare can also be used in context to an elderly daycare center, in which a supportive environment is provided to the elders who need care and support.

Generally, a daycare and a childcare are the same. They look after the children in the absence of the parents. They aim to provide a fun, learning and nurturing environment to the children. However, a daycare may also be used in context to an elderly daycare center. In these centers, care and support are provided to people who are incapable of taking care of themselves due to the age factor. These types of daycare centers are known as elderly daycare or adult daycare centers.

A childcare or a child daycare can be regarded as similar to babysitting. However, babysitting usually involves teenagers, whereas childcare or daycare services are often provided by adults. Generally, these centers provide the care during typical working hours. It is very important for a child care provider to meet the developmental as well as learning requirements of young children. These centers play a vital role in a child's life as these early years of life are considered to be the foundation years of a person’s life.

In child care centers, custom-made facilities are provided to suit the particular age-groups of children. Children learn to socialize with other children and people. In most of the countries, a registration or a license is required to run a child care center. A family day care provides child care in the private homes of approved carers. They are preferred by the parents who want to provide a home type environment to their children.

Comparison between Daycare and Childcare:

	Daycare	Childcare
Definition	A day care or childcare refers to an institution that provides care and supervision to infants and young children in the absence of their legal parents. However, daycare can also be used in context to an elderly daycare center in which a supportive environment is provided to the elders who need care and support.	A day care or childcare refers to an institution that provides care and supervision to infants and young children in the absence of their legal parents.
Origin	From Old English dæg "day," also "lifetime," + Old English carian, cearian "be anxious, grieve; to feel concern or interest"	From Old English cild "fetus, infant, unborn or newly born person," + Old English carian, cearian "be anxious, grieve; to feel concern or interest"
Advantages	Daycare centers are often inspected to ensure the quality of the care provided to the children. Generally, they are less expensive than hiring a nanny. Staff members are usually trained and professional. They aim to provide an organized and structured form of care. Are available for various age groups of children	A child care center aims to provide a loving and caring environment to the children of all ages. A lot of emphasis is made on the structured routines. It helps in developing the creative aspects of a child. The carers in these centers are generally experienced and qualified. They provide the basic educational program. Children learn to interact and socialize with others.
Types	Long daycare – usually open for 10 or more hours per day. Occasional daycare – parents can leave their kids to these centers but only for a short period of time. Home-based daycare – provided by the family day carers at their own homes And many more	Nanny – is a daycare provider who looks after the children at the parent’s house. Centers for Childcare – they have all the facilities to meet the demands of the children. Educational – They are more focused to provide the learning environment to the children. Family childcare – children are cared at the care-giver’s home. Adult day care – they provide care and support to the older adults. And many more