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Day care could be regarded as a specific type of babysitting; however, the two terms have somewhat different connotation. Whereas babysitting can refer to such care on an occasional basis, day care usually refers to a more permanent arrangement. For example, a child may spend a few days a week in day care while the parents work. Additionally, babysitting is often provided by amateurs (for example, parents might hire a local teenager for babysitting, while hiring the same individual to provide day care would be much rarer, though not unheard of.

Day care is often provided to children from several families at the same time, in the home of the day care worker or in a specialized day care facility. Some employers provide day care for their employees at or near the place of employment.

Day care may consist of child care only, or for younger children may include some of the aspects of preschool.

Day care in the child's own home is traditionally provided by a nanny.