The Childcare Decision

The Childcare decision is never an easy one. Parents often spend a long time deciding to put their child into care, and once they've decided on that they still have to go through the process of choosing which type of care would be best suited to their needs.

Some of the questions you may find yourself asking will be:

Will the time my child spends in care have a positive effect on them?

Will my child be happy and well cared for?

Will they adjust to their new surroundings and caregivers well?

What if my child gets upset when I leave, will I be able to leave if they're crying?

What if my child loves being there and cries when I go to pick them up?!

Will my child resent me not being there for them 24/7?

What if something goes wrong while they're in care, will I be contacted immediately?

These and dozens of other questions are racing through your mind as you make the big decision on who is going to care for your child.

So how do you make that decision?

Referrals - Whether you are choosing a center-based provider, home-based provider, or one-on-one provider, referrals from friends, whanau, co-workers are your first (and often most reliable) method.

Visits - Take your child with you to visit childcare providers in your area. Pay attention to which types of environmentinterest your child the most. Spend some time watching how the staff interact with the children. Enquire as to the routines they have in place & the flexibility those routines allow for.

What are your child's unique needs?

As a parent, you know your child best. Use that knowledge. Consider your childs activity level, need for social interaction, tolerance to new routines - to select a child care setting that's right for him/her.

Is your child adaptable, approaching new situations and new people with ease, or cautious and hesitant when faced with a new situation? Would he or she be more relaxed in a large group of children providing lots of opportunities for social interaction, or a smaller group setting which might be less overwhelming?

Sleep - Some children's sleep-wake patterns adapt easily to a group schedule, while others' do not. Parents should look for centers that offer:

individual schedules (vs. group routines)
separate sleeping areas
appropriate lighting (dim), temperature (comfortable) and noise level (low)

Cultural Identity

Are staff interested in your family's culture and beliefs?
Are staff open to including books and other aspects of your child's culture?
Are staff's values and practices consistent with your family's?

 

Special Needs

Are staff members open and enthusiastic about accommodating your child?
Are staff trained and supported to accommodate children with special needs?
Is the setting (including playground) accessible to your child?
Do any books or toys feature children with special needs?
Are staff willing to help your child develop the skills that your family believe are important?

All we can do is make the best decision we can. Trust in your judgement, and remember that when it comes to YOUR child, only YOU knows what's best!

Good luck on your search for childcare, and may it be a positive and rewarding experience for you and your family.