If you're looking for the right childcare option, you've probably asked yourself: daycare or childminder? Both options can offer children a reliable and supportive care environment. However, they differ in their organisation, group size, and daily routine. Which option suits you best depends on your child and your family's needs. We show you the key differences and criteria to help you decide.
Daycare or childminder: What's the difference?
Daycares and childminders both offer children care outside the family, but they organise the daily routine differently. In a daycare, children are cared for in groups by a childcare team. The day usually follows an educational concept and a set daily structure. Depending on the daycare, group size, staff-to-child ratio, premises, and educational priorities can vary.
A childminder, on the other hand, usually looks after children in her own home and in a smaller group. In Switzerland, the terms "Tageseltern" or "Tagesfamilie" are also used. kibesuisse also describes childminding families as a form of family-complementary childcare.
Both models are part of family-complementary childcare. A childminder isn't automatically more personal, and a daycare isn't automatically better organised. What matters is how the actual care is structured and whether it suits your child and family.
Note: The table shows typical differences. The specific conditions can vary depending on the facility or childminding family.
Childminder or daycare: Which type of care suits my child?
Children react differently to new caregivers, groups, and daily routines. That's why there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the daycare-or-childminder question.
Some children feel at home quickly in a smaller, family-like setting. Others cope just as well with daycare life and contact with various children and caregivers. Group size alone says little about the quality of care.
What matters more is how caregivers respond to children's needs. The way the settling-in period is organised at the daycare should also be factored into your decision. A gentle settling-in period gives your child time to get to know the new environment and its caregivers.
Parents can therefore ask themselves: What's the atmosphere like? How do the caregivers interact with the children? How will my child be supported? And do we feel comfortable talking with the caregivers?
Daycare or childminder: What suits our family's daily life?
Several factors play a role when deciding between a daycare and childminders. Working hours, the amount of care needed, and the distance to the care provider are particularly important.
Daycares have set opening hours and care days. With childminders, care times can often be arranged more individually, depending on the offer. However, this doesn't mean childminders are always more flexible. The specific possibilities should always be clarified directly.
Holiday arrangements and how absences are handled are also important questions. In a daycare, care is spread across a team. With a childminder, you should clarify what happens during holidays or if the caregiver is unavailable.
Besides organisational aspects, cost plays an important role for families. It depends on factors such as where you live, how much care you need, and possible subsidies. In our guide on daycare costs in Switzerland, we explain which factors influence childcare costs.
Three family situations: Which type of care might suit you?
Family with fixed working hours
Both parents work on set weekdays and need regular care. A daycare with matching opening hours can be a suitable solution here. What matters is whether the care days match your working hours and how holiday periods are handled.
Family with changing working hours
One parent works shifts and therefore sometimes needs care at varying times. A childminder could be an option if she offers suitable arrangements. Parents should clarify early on which hours can actually be covered.
Family with a child who needs time to settle in
The child reacts cautiously to new situations. In this case, it's worth asking both types of care providers about their settling-in concept. What matters most are reliable caregivers, enough time, and support that's tailored to the child.
What financial support is available for daycare and childminders?
Financial support for family-complementary childcare varies depending on where you live and the type of care offered. If you're deciding between a childminder or a daycare, you should also check what support is available for each option. Existing cantonal or municipal systems can include both daycares and childminders. In the canton of Bern, for example, childcare vouchers can be used at participating daycares and childminding organisations.
In future, a federal childcare allowance is set to be introduced as part of the new Daycare Act. This should also apply to children cared for by childminders, provided they are organised under a legal entity. Private care by nannies, babysitters, or grandparents is not covered.
Important: The new childcare allowance cannot currently be applied for. The law has already been passed but has not yet come into force. It's not yet clear when it will take effect.
Checklist: What questions should parents ask during a visit?
A personal visit helps you get a better sense of the care on offer. These questions can help guide your conversation with the daycare or childminder:
How many children are cared for at the same time?
Who are my child's main caregivers?
How does the settling-in period work?
What does a typical day of care look like?
How are children's individual needs taken into account?
What care times are available?
What happens during holidays or if the caregiver is sick?
What costs are involved and what's included?
Is financial support or are childcare vouchers available?
How are parents kept informed about their child's day and development?
After the visit, note down what you particularly liked and which questions remain open. This makes it easier to compare different options.
Daycare or childminder? Download the checklist for free Open PDF
Find the right childcare with Awina
Choosing childcare is a personal decision. We want to support families in gathering information and taking the time to explore different options.
With our daycare search, you can find daycares near you and get an overview of their offers and key conditions. With the daycare comparison, you can compare selected daycares based on important criteria.
Do you have questions about the daycare search or need support? Contact us. We're happy to help.