If and when to transition from home daycare

[Anonymous]

My DD is 15 month and in home daycare 2 days a week. I'm looking ahead and trying to see what learning environment would be best. Should I be looking into 2 year old preschool programs or wait until 3y? This would be half day, so I'd have to have her in preschool on my days off so I can pick her up and I'd be paying for both daycare and preschool. Or should I transition to a daycare center (which is difficult to find for part-time)? I'm hesitant to do this yet since I love my childcare provider, but I know at some point she'll need to be in a classroom setting.

[Anonymous]

To me it would depend what kind of environment the home provider has. If there are other toddlers around and the provider isn't too overwhelmed and can do some activities with them (singing, coloring, storytime...), I would keep her there for a while. Especially if you are home with her for a few days a week and can provide a variety of expanding experiences for her.

(FWIW, my 2 yo in a daycare center full time since 3mo. It is what works for us, but if I were in your position with a great provider, I wouldn't worry too much about preschool for another year or two. )