For children under 3 in Israel, both individual care with a nanny and group daycare (a maon) are common. Each has its own strengths, and there’s no universally «best» option — there’s the one that fits a specific family.
Step 01
The basic difference
A nanny is individual care, usually one-on-one or with at most 1-2 other children, often at your home or the nanny’s. Daycare is a group format with several children of the same age, a set routine, and a team of caregivers.
The difference isn’t just the number of children — it’s the model itself: a nanny adapts to the specific child and family, while daycare offers a ready-made structure, program, and social environment.
In short
A nanny means more individual attention and flexibility. Daycare means more social practice, daily structure, and usually stability that doesn’t depend on one person’s vacation or illness.
Step 02
Advantages of a nanny
- An individual approach — the routine and activities can be fully tailored to your child;
- A flexible schedule — easier to arrange non-standard hours or days;
- Less contact with other children — relevant in the first few months of life or during periods of frequent illness;
- A familiar home setting, if the nanny comes to you.
Step 03
Advantages of daycare
- Regular contact with peers — social skills develop in a natural group setting;
- Stability — the group keeps running regardless of one specific person’s vacation or illness;
- An established program and routine, suited to the children’s age;
- At a bilingual kindergarten — regular practice in the second language through live communication with peers.
Many families end up combining both formats over time — for example, a nanny in the first few months, then a gradual transition to a group once the child and parents are ready.
— a practical observation
Step 04
Cost: what to pay attention to
It’s worth comparing not just the final price, but what’s included in it.
- With a nanny, the cost usually only covers the care itself — food, developmental materials, and activities are often organized and paid for separately by the family;
- At daycare, the cost usually already includes food, activity materials, and the daily program;
- When hiring a nanny, factor in legal employment and social contributions if required — that’s part of the real cost, not just the hourly rate;
- Subsidy eligibility may differ for a nanny versus daycare — worth checking separately in each case.
We deliberately don’t list specific amounts here — rates and terms vary a lot from case to case, and it’s best to check current figures directly with specific nannies or institutions.
Step 05
How your family can decide
- How important is regular contact with peers for your child right now;
- How flexible does your family’s schedule need to be — fixed daycare hours or a more open schedule with a nanny;
- How does your child generally react to new people and settings;
- What’s realistic for your budget, factoring in everything included in each option, not just the base rate.
If doubts remain, you can try a format on a trial basis: many kindergartens offer introductory days, and with a nanny you can start with fewer hours per week.
Frequently asked questions
What’s better for a child under a year old — a nanny or daycare?
There’s no single answer — it depends a lot on the specific child, health, and family circumstances. Some parents choose a nanny in the first few months and gradually move to a group later.
Can you combine a nanny and daycare?
Yes, some families use a combined format — for example, daycare a few days a week and a nanny for the remaining days or hours.
Does a child with a nanny fall behind in social skills?
Not necessarily — a lot is offset by playgrounds, activity classes, and relatives. But regular contact specifically with peers is easier to arrange in a group format.
How do you hire a nanny legally?
The process of employment and social contributions is worth checking separately — it’s outside the scope of this guide and depends on the specific hiring situation.
This material is for general informational purposes and is not financial or legal advice. Check exact terms, costs, and employment rules directly with specific nannies, agencies, or institutions.
Looking for a kindergarten for your little one in Haifa?
Navon accepts children from 3 months to 5 years old. We’ll tell you how our daycare group works.
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