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@snowjewelz: The daycare center does not have cribs for the infants to sleep in?

For me personally, I felt safer going with a center knowing there was a certain level of oversight. I know if I have problems with the caretakers, I can go to the director. If any issues aren't solved there, there's always corporate. I liked the structure of the rules (like NO items in cribs, ever) and felt like the more corporate places felt safer because of that.

They're not just answering to the state for licensing, but also to a corporate agency intent on keeping parents happy in order to make money.

(but we also couldn't find an in home to compare it too...so it's not really the same. But I felt this way when comparing two locally owned daycares to the chains.)

I prefer having my kids in a daycare center. I actually don't really like having naps in separate rooms and stuff at in-home places. Maybe that's weird, but with so many kids I just prefer that they have them physically in sight at all times. I also don't have a backup sitter, which seems more necessary with an in-home in case the the caregiver or her kids (if she has them) are sick. And generally I'm just someone who prefers more structure, separate spaces/activities for separate age groups, didn't want the extra preschool transition, etc. Really it's just all your personal preference.

Oh, and as far as naps go, the beginning was tough. But before I knew it I had a kid who could sleep through all kinds of noise, which definitely comes in handy!

I have always opted for a center.

Center's make me feel more comfortable

@snowjewelz: how many infants are in the room (daycare)?

I would go with the in-home daycare until 18 months and then transition her over to the centre. I think it helps that your DH knows one of the teachers. How big is it and what is the ratio like? Those should also be things to take into consideration. If the ratio is higher jn the in-home, then I would lean towards the centre.

I will always prefer the centre over in-home except in cases where we know the person. My friends have had great experiences with day homes (they were friends with the owner) and transitioned them over to a centre when the kids were older and needed more structure.

One of the things that convinced us to go with a home daycare is that there was a separate room for the babies to nap. There is no way my DD could have napped in a crib in a room with the lights on and other kids playing. I also love the more intimate environment for an infant, and that they are more flexible than a center.

I don't think you can go wrong...just go with your gut.

When figuring the cost difference, also be sure to factor in any added costs/work that you'll encounter.

For some of the smaller centers, we would have had to provide snacks and food when LO gets bigger. The center takes care of all that for us.

How do they handle sick days (for the caretakers)? Holidays? Snow days? Vacation?

Most of the centers only close 5 or 6 days a year, so that was helpful. And the caretakers live nearby so they open even when it snows. They have subs and floaters to help out if someone is sick or on vacation.

Will the in home center make it more difficult for you schedule wise?

Do you know people who have used either place that you can talk to about their experiences?

Our center says we can bring snacks for our baby if we want to stick to whatever they're eating at home, but they also provide snacks and we can specify what the baby is ready for. Maybe ask for more detail?

Like many others I also prefer a center. Other posts have talked about oversight already, and I just think that if there is an issue it's a lot easier dealing with a director who is kind of separate from the individual childcare than an in-home day care provider. It's the same reason why I feel like a nanny would be hard for me, I just think any potential negative interactions would be much more stressful in the smaller setting.

I'm going to vote in-home because I love our in-home daycare and you need a vote for the other ... but also because your in-home has 2/3 providers and less kids. To me less kids = less germs = less sick time.
The fact that your in-home providers were teachers is also a big positive.
With E our back-up has more kids and he just gets so over-stimulated I actually think he hates it (its the only time he's cried at drop off!). Might be another pro for the smaller in-home.
I think either decision is great though, so go with your gut/ whatever you feel more comfortable with.

"And some daycares will just be more germy because they aren't as rigid in their standards"

I was thinking this.

It's policy at the center we went with that every surface and toy the kids touch gets washed every day. If it goes in a mouth, it goes in a bin to be disenfected.

Plus, each kid has their own specified crib that gets clean sheets daily.

I'm sure some in home centers may do this too, but it doesn't seem as likely in smaller places.

I would probably choose an in home, but i'd wonder what to do if the provider got sick...is there a backup, is it closed on certain weeks of the year, etc.