What’s the Best Age to Start Child Care? 🤔

November 12, 2024

Let’s be real: deciding when to start child care feels like one of those big parenting decisions—right up there with choosing a name or figuring out when to introduce screen time. So, what’s the deal? Is there a “perfect age” to send your little one to child care? Spoiler alert: it depends. But don’t worry, I’ll break it down for you.

Why Timing Matters ⏳

The “best” age for starting child care varies for every family. It depends on your kid’s needs, your situation, and honestly, your parents' intuition. But let’s look at a few key milestones to help you decide:
Infants (6 weeks to 12 months) 
  • Pros : Many child care centers are equipped to care for infants with trained staff who know how to handle tiny humans. If you’re heading back to work after maternity or paternity leave, this can be a lifesaver.
  • Cons : Some parents feel nervous about leaving their baby so young. Plus, early care can be pricey and harder to find.

Toddlers (1 to 2 years) 
  • Pros : At this age, kids start benefiting from structured social interactions. Child care can help with language development, sharing skills, and building independence.
  • Cons : Separation anxiety might hit hard during this phase—for both of you. It can be tough to watch your toddler cling to your leg as you head out the door.

Preschool Age (3 to 4 years) 
  • Pros : By now, kids are little sponges, ready to soak up structured activities. Child care can prepare them for school routines, from sitting in a circle to following instructions and teach them essential skills to be Kindergarten ready. 
  • Cons : If you’ve stayed home this long, the transition might be a bigger adjustment—for them and for you.

So, When Should You Start?

Here’s the thing: there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. But here are some tips to guide you:
  1. Consider Your Needs : Are you going back to work? Need a break to recharge? Is your child ready for structure, routine, and more social interaction? Your family’s unique needs should guide your choice.
  2. Visit and Observe : Don’t leave this to chance. Most childcare centers offer free tours where you can:
  • See the facilities firsthand.
  • Meet the teachers and staff.
  • Observe how caregivers interact with kids. 
  • Pay attention to cleanliness, the overall organization, and how staff engage with the children—it’s a sneak peek into how they’ll treat your child if you choose them.
3. Trust Your Instincts: Nobody knows your child better than you. If you understand that it’s time for childcare—or that a specific place feels like “the one”—go for it. Often, your parents' intuition will steer you in the right direction.

The Bottom Line 

There’s no perfect age to start child care—just the right age for your family. Whether you jump in at 3 months, 3 years, or anywhere in between, you’re doing what works for you and your little one. 
And whenever that moment is for your family, we’ll be right here to support you through it! 

Schedule a visit to learn more about our amazing Infant-Preschool programs.

Oh, and one last thing: give yourself some grace. You’re rocking this parent thing—even on the hard days. 


By ELLSA Schools April 18, 2025
The early years of a child’s life are filled with rapid growth and discovery, laying the groundwork for the kind of person they’ll become. At Early Education Station Orlando, we believe that education during these foundational years is more than just preparation for elementary school—it’s an investment in a child’s entire future. And when that investment is made with intentional care, guided learning, and emotional nurturing, it builds the skills that last a lifetime. In this post, we explore the far-reaching impact of quality early childhood education and how our local children in Orlando are not just learning—they're shaping the future. The Science of Early Development Years of research in developmental psychology and neuroscience have confirmed what educators have long suspected—early experiences shape brain architecture. In fact, 90% of a child’s brain develops by the age of five. During these critical years, the brain is forming the neural pathways that support everything from emotional regulation to problem-solving and social connection. At Early Education Station Orlando, our curriculum is designed to align with this scientific understanding. Each interaction, each activity, and each daily routine is an opportunity to reinforce brain development. We emphasize nurturing relationships, language-rich environments, and hands-on exploration to support every child’s cognitive and emotional growth. Building the Foundations of Future Success Success in adulthood—academically, socially, and professionally—can often be traced back to the skills developed during early childhood. These include: Executive Function Skills : Such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control. These skills allow children to focus, manage tasks, and make thoughtful decisions. Social-Emotional Competence : The ability to understand one’s emotions, interact well with others, and form healthy relationships. Early Literacy and Numeracy : Exposure to letters, numbers, sounds, and stories gives children a head start in reading and math. Resilience and Confidence : Through trial and error, encouragement, and success, young children learn to persevere and believe in themselves. Our educators design experiences that promote these abilities in ways that feel natural and joyful to children—through play, music, movement, conversation, and imaginative learning. How Local Education Makes a Big Difference While early education is powerful everywhere, a program rooted in the Orlando community adds even more value. Children benefit when they learn in a space that reflects their local culture, community, and environment. At Early Education Station Orlando, our curriculum incorporates elements that connect children to the world around them. Whether it’s learning about local wildlife during nature-based activities or celebrating Orlando’s rich cultural diversity during classroom events, our students are learning to appreciate and engage with their own community. This connection fosters a strong sense of identity and belonging—critical elements for future leadership and citizenship. Stories That Show the Impact We’ve seen countless examples of children who start at Early Education Station and go on to excel both socially and academically. One recent graduate, Mia, began our program as a shy toddler. Through our supportive classroom environment, she blossomed into a confident communicator, comfortable leading circle time and asking questions during science exploration. Another student, Jaxon, entered our program struggling with motor delays. Through play-based physical activities and fine motor-focused art projects, he developed coordination and confidence—and his parents now describe him as “a little athlete in training.” These are just a few of the many stories that illustrate how early education can alter a child’s life trajectory. Our alumni have moved on to Orlando’s top elementary schools, often noted by their teachers as “leaders,” “helpers,” and “innovative thinkers.” Parental Involvement: A Cornerstone of Success No early education program can succeed without the partnership of families. At Early Education Station Orlando, we take pride in fostering strong relationships with parents. We offer frequent communication, parent-teacher conferences, and resources to help reinforce learning at home. We believe that when families feel seen, supported, and engaged, children thrive. Our educators serve not only as teachers but also as collaborators in each family’s educational journey. Our Long-Term Vision for Orlando’s Children Our commitment isn’t just to the children who walk through our doors—it’s to the entire future of Orlando. We believe that nurturing young minds today will lead to a stronger, more empathetic, and more innovative community tomorrow. That’s why we continuously evaluate and evolve our approach, drawing from the latest research and best practices. From expanding our enrichment offerings to deepening our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are always working to ensure that every child receives the best possible foundation. Conclusion The impact of early childhood education isn’t seen in a single day or year—it unfolds over a lifetime. At Early Education Station Orlando, we’re proud to provide a place where children’s first steps into the world of learning are full of joy, wonder, and meaning. Our classrooms are not just spaces for school readiness—they are the launchpads for future success, empathy, leadership, and lifelong love of learning. Because when Orlando’s youngest learners thrive, so does our entire community.
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