Baptist daycares and preschools can be a great fit for families of all backgrounds, although they are especially well suited to those of the Baptist faith. One of the tenets of Baptism is that each congregation should have a great deal of autonomy, which means they can differ rather widely in what they believe, how they worship, and their attitudes toward other faiths. Regardless of the particulars of their curriculum, all Baptist preschools will emphasize values that align with a Christian upbringing, while stressing standard early childhood education goals such as socialization and developmentally appropriate skill building.
Because Baptists believe that the act of baptism should only be performed on believers, Baptist daycares will always include some form of bible instruction in their curriculum. However, the details can vary significantly, with some Baptist child care centers even adopting a non-denominational and non-sectarian approach. Depending on the inclusiveness of the affiliated Baptist community, this can make Baptist schools a good choice for non-religious parents seeking to expose their children to a supportive environment that emphasizes strong morals and spirituality.
Many children thrive in consistent environments, and parents agreeing with the moral tenets of Baptism can be assured that their children will receive consistent reinforcement of those values. Non-religious families might also enjoy the tight-knit community that often forms around Baptist and other
Christian daycares and preschools. Baptist child care programs range from small Baptist home daycares to large, academically-oriented preschools.
Most are affiliated with a particular Baptist parish and they are often more affordable than comparable secular facilities. Some Baptist daycare centers even offer tuition on a sliding scale to help families afford what can be one of the most expensive aspects of raising a child. Parents looking for a certain level of Bible study or prayer in their child's early education should confirm with their child development center how often each appears in the curriculum, as the frequency of explicit religious instruction can vary between programs.