Research tells us that when babies and children get what they need, it has a lasting effect on their future. This is one of the many reasons parents start to look at childcare for their children. However, it’s a bit like opening Pandora’s Box, and it can easily leave a parent very anxious about deciding on the right childcare options for their children.
You could say I’ve been there, done that; however, what’s right for me doesn’t mean it’s right for you. I have, however, been working in the industry for over 30 years. I’ve also raised two children, and my experience has covered all options in childcare. So here’s what I’ve learned.
Preschool programs
Preschool is awesome for children 3 years old and above; however, it isn’t for babies. Preschools usually run for shorter hours, let’s say 8:30 am– 3:30 pm as a guide. The odd preschool does provide for extended hours until 4:30 pm, which definitely helps if your working hours finish in the early afternoon. Not as helpful for full-time employment.
Preschool programs offer play-based learning as well as teacher-directed activities. From my experience working in preschools, the environment and focus on learning is exceptional and really prepares children for big school. This can vary depending on whether the preschool is community-based or privately owned.
Family day care
I love family day care, and it really has some positive advantages, especially for children who don’t cope well in large groups. The setting is usually more relaxed than a formal preschool. When I was a family day carer, I had up to 5 children in my care, but it’s since been reduced to 4 children per carer.
Family day care caters for children from 6 weeks old up to school age. I found it beneficial for tiny babies, as they only have to share the carer with up to 3 other children.
I enjoyed the flexibility of taking the children out in my car to the park, library, museum, and lots of other fun places. The children would bring their own lunch along, and they all had a rest time during the day. After their rest, they would wake up to enjoy a group session, full of their favourite songs and stories. We would paint, draw, explore, create, and learn through play.
My youngest son joined me from the age of 2 when I started in family day care, but soon outgrew the little ones. I then chose long day care for him, so he was challenged more and was able to interact with other kids his age.
My first-born son really enjoyed long day care and now that he‘s a teenager he still has contact with some of his mates from the day care centre
Long day care
Long day care is available from 6 weeks to school age. The children are divided into rooms to interact with peers their age. They learn from one another and have age-appropriate resources and experiences that develop fundamental life skills.
Like family day care and preschool, the educators in long day care need to be qualified. Educators in long day care have a variety of certificates, diplomas, and degrees. The great thing is that a variety of educators bring a variety of experiences.
I made one vital mistake when I took my son out of long day care because I believed, at the time, that children needed to go to ‘preschool’. That was such a big mistake! He cried for about 6 months every day and begged me to go back to day care, where he had formed friends. Life-long friends, I know now. I just thought he needed a ‘school readiness program’ that would assist him with the transition to school.
School readiness
Long-daycare provides a school readiness program. It starts when the children are in the nursery. It’s important that our babies are encouraged to explore their learning environment independently. Independent play is closely connected to self-esteem. This is a vital skill for children going off to big school. If practice and support start early, imagine how ready the children will be for kindergarten as they progress through the toddler rooms into the preschool room.
Toddlers have an innate sense of curiosity, and this allows them to connect to their world. This curiosity is linked with physical exploration. Trained educators in long day care facilitate activities for curious minds in a safe and familiar setting. Children learn skills such as problem-solving, hypothesising and resolving, communicating, and working with peers. This is the foundation for a happy, healthy child.
The preschool children in long-daycare engage in some structured group times, small projects, and large group experiences. The programmed activities are based on the interests and abilities of the children. This makes learning fun and really engages each and every child.
Grandparents and family
If you have family who want to help with childcare, and your child loves being with them, then definitely include some days with family. These are precious years for both the kids and the grandparents, so embrace that natural family love and nurturing.
There are so many amazing things kids can do with their grandparents. These include cooking, reading, playing games, and there is nothing like a big warm hug from someone you love.
Childcare doesn’t have to leave family out. You can mix your days so your children get the best experience possible, and they still get that special one-on-one time with family.
The benefits of play
Play encourages children to develop skills that build confidence, such as conflict resolution, plus imaginative and dramatic play. Play allows children to express themselves without anyone holding them back. Emotions are expressed, but fears are also dealt with, inspiring self-confidence and learning about boundaries.
In my eyes, ‘play’ is fundamental to your child’s development and can be experienced in all of the childcare options I have mentioned above. Having the right carers to nurture this in our children is the key to making childcare work for you. It’s at the core of everything we do at our centre, and it’s the reason why I always see happy children, happy educators, and happy parents at Let the Learning Begin.
Contributor:
Kelly Yeung – Owner and experienced Early Childhood Teacher
Description:
Warners Bay Childcare & Early Education for Children Aged 6 Weeks to 5 Years. A warm, family-owned childcare centre where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to grow in a nurturing environment that celebrates individuality and encourages meaningful learning through play.
Phone: 4953 7665
Email: kelly@ltlb.com.au
W: www.letthelearningbegin.com.au
