Choosing a day-care for your child will be one of the most difficult and important decisions you will make.1 A child's early experience, irrespective at home, preschool or day-care is purely educational.2
The most appropriate day-care arrangements are the one which works best for you, your child, and your family. 2
High quality of day-care will provide care which is supportive, emotional, consistent and appropriate to the child's age, development, and temperament. It will positively impact both the child and their families. 2
High-quality childcare will:
- Boost child growth and development
- Provide greater success in school
- Emphasize on cognition, social skills, interpersonal relationships, and self-regulation
Five essentials things to look for while choosing a day-care:
- Staff who are trained and experienced staff and are able to respond to your child's individual needs.
- Mealtimes should be fun and be relaxed.
- A well-planned play area which is spacious and safe.
- There should be plenty of opportunities to learn new things.
- Planned exercise and quiet times to relax.
It is also important to consider reviews of other parent's experiences.
Also remember, the day-care which works for one family may not always be suitable for your needs.
Your child may take some time to settle into a new environment, allow them time to adjust, especially if this is their first time in day-care.
Reference:
- Selecting a Child Care Program: Visiting and Asking Questions [ internet]. Available from https://childcare.gov/consumer-education/selecting-a-child- care-program-visiting-and-asking-questions. Accessed on 28th February 2020
- Quality Checklist for Choosing Child Care [Internet]. Available from https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health- initiatives/healthy-child-care/Pages/Choosing-Child-Care.aspx. Accessed on 28th February 2020
- Five steps to choosing childcare [Internet]. Available from https://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/five-steps-choosing-childcare. Accessed on 28th February 2020.