Making the decision to put your child into childcare can be very stressful for any parent. This article has 10 suggestions on what to look for so you can be satisfied you are putting your child in the best possible care.
Parents are faced with a lack of information when weighing up home based care where unqualified people are essentially babysitting compared with Government regulated centers where qualified teachers nurture and support baby’s to reach their milestones.
“The most important aspect when looking for childcare is to to look for teachers who will develop close relationships with you and your baby because together you will know how to best support your child and share experiences of what is happening in their development.”
As an experienced childcare provider.
Choose your childcare carefully. Putting your baby into childcare, if you choose well, will not harm your child or make you a bad mum. Neither will it alter your relationship with your child. You are still and always will be the center of their world- this is worth remembering when someone else forms bonds with your baby. You will always be there mum and the centre of your baby’s universe. You want to know that your baby will be well-cared for and nurtured as well as supported in its learning when you aren’t there.
Look for specialized teachers trained in looking after babies, who know how to take care of them and make sure they do help the baby’s brain develop. Is there a professional support team that offers specialized advice to teachers and builds on their knowledge on how to extend youngsters. A good quality center can support all the learning stages of your infant.
So what should you look for? Quality. Leading research into what constitutes quality childcare for under two’s lists a number of key features. These are highly motivated and qualified staff, small group sizes, teacher stability, and low infant to caregiver ratios. Center ratios: Look for one teacher to three or four children. This means teachers can relate to each child as an individual. Primary care giving: We encourage and ensure the same teachers develop relationships with the same children. So children bond.
Individual approach to each child: Look for a child focus. Is plan will be developed for your child after observation so your child can be extended and encouraged to achieve milestones? Are teachers gentle ‘guiders’ and provide calm, nurturing care for young children? Qualified teachers -It takes a minimum three year tertiary qualification to become a teacher in New Zealand. Professional approach. Is the center more than just caring for your child; does it support your child’s development and learning.
Social development. Remember babies are in fact hugely social beings from birth, who thrive and in fact depend, on social relationships with a group of people, not just one. Yes, these relationships should be deep and meaningful, but don’t just have to be with mum. Specialized curriculum for under twos. Is there a rich curriculum for under two’s. Do reachers integrate the care of the under two (the nappy changing, feeding and sleeping) with cuddles, teaching and learning. Environmental design. Another important aspect to care of your under two is the environment. Are there special areas for under ones and under twos so they are not overrun by older children. This is important.
The focus is on providing a homely, secure and relaxed environment where baby will be cuddled and nurtured. Finally, remember using childcare doesn’t make you a bad mum. Your child will still always consider you the number one person in their life.
