daycare

[/ˈdeɪ.kɛr/]
nounpl: daycares
creche
1. A facility that provides care and supervision for children during the day, typically while parents are at work
She enrolled her son in a daycare center near her office.
Ela matriculou seu filho em uma creche perto de seu escritório.
2. The care provided to children in such a facility
Quality daycare is important for child development.
Uma creche de qualidade é importante para o desenvolvimento infantil.
3. A person's home where they care for other people's children
My neighbor runs a home daycare for five children.
Minha vizinha gerencia uma creche domiciliar para cinco crianças.
In Brazil, 'creche' is the standard term for daycare facilities, which are common in urban areas as many families have both parents working. In Portugal, 'infantário' is preferred. The concept of formal daycare is increasingly important in both countries as more women participate in the workforce. In the USA, daycare is a major expense for families, often costing thousands of dollars annually.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
childcarepreschoolnurseryday centercare facility

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
creche
Most common term used throughout Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
creche
Standard usage, sometimes 'escolinha'
São Paulo
creche
Standard usage, also 'centro de educação infantil'
Portugal
infantário
Portuguese preference over creche; also 'ama' for home care

Related Words

babysitternannykindergartenpreschoolchildcarecaregiver

Related Idioms & Phrases

drop off at daycare
daycare center
home daycare
daycare provider
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