Child day care center or home care for children 12-40 months of age: What is best for the child? - A systematic literature review.

The study is a systematic review of research regarding preschool effects on children between 12 and 40 months. The study examines the socio-emotional and/or cognitive impacts of care at daycare centres compared to parental care until about the child’s third year. The mapping aims to identify the type of care most appropriate for the child.

Four of the studies reviewed meet the criteria for inclusion. Results suggest that care at daycare centres benefits the child. The cognitive and language development is improved in line with the amount of time, i.e. number of months, the child is cared for at the daycare centre, and the impacts go on until the child reaches school age. The study concludes that there are long-term impacts associated with care at daycare centres compared to home care. It is not possible to draw a final conclusion with regard to effects of daycare centres on toddlers’ socio-emotional development.

The study is a systematic review. Only studies fulfilling a number of criteria for inclusion have been included, including that the studies adjust for the children’s background variables in statistical measurements. The sample solely consists of randomised, quasi-experimental or longitudinal studies.

Holmgren, S. (2009). Child day care center or home care for children 12-40 months of age [Elektronisk resurs] : what is best for the child? : A systematic literature review. Stockholm: Swedish National Institute of Public Health.