If you live in the suburbs of a major city, such as New York City or Chicago, there is an endless supply of daycare centers in and around these cities. However, most of the daycare centers in the big cities are frequently full and have waiting lists, while daycare centers in the smaller towns outside the city's limits have openings. These things, and a few more differences, are worth considering when you work in a big city but need to enroll your child in daycare.

The Kids and Parents Are More Familiar

In smaller cities and towns, there is a greater chance that you know the other parents and children that attend a daycare. If there are only two or three daycares within five miles of where you live, there are many children there that your child would know or get to know through daycare. It also helps to get to know more people in your hometown because then they may be able to help you out of a jam if you get stuck.

Your Child May Go to School with His/Her Preschool Friends

If your town is a much smaller town, it is very likely that your child will go to the same elementary school with some of his/her daycare friends. This is a definite plus because then he/she will not feel quite so alone when he/she starts kindergarten. You definitely cannot say the same for any daycare in the big city in which you work. There, your child may not go to school with any of the kids he/she knows and became friends with in daycare.

Enrollment Is Not Conditional

Preschools and daycares in big cities can be particular about enrollment and admittance. They may have very strict rules and long waitlists that can hinder your ability to get your child into a daycare. This is known as "conditional acceptance," and it is a perfectly legal practice, especially for private high-end daycares. When you enroll your child in a small-town daycare, there are no requirements for enrollment or re-enrollment from year to year. Once your child is enrolled, it is up to you to say when your child will no longer be attending.

Calling Around

If you cannot find an opening for daycare, many small town daycares know of teachers who provide in-home daycare too. These teachers do not work in daycare facilities, but instead open their homes to caring for children. This might be a good option too, since it is often less crowded and more controlled.

For more information, contact companies like Youthland Academy.