The value of good child care cannot be understated, yet far too many children continue to be denied quality care. Many children spend their formative years in settings that are unsafe or only custodial. Parents are being lured into accepting listings of caregivers from various caregiver groups without the support and information they need to properly access a provider or facility. Still others simply choose the first caregiver or facility they come across based on price and convenience.
High Quality Child Care encourages healthy social, emotional, cognitive and physical development in the young child. Working parents are more stable and productive employees when their children are in quality environment. Choosing a good child care arrangement is an important decision that can improve the daily lives of children and parents.
There are many different types of care and many different ideas about the ideal environment for children. No matter what type of care you are looking for, there are some basic things to look for when judging the quality of care. I went to many different childcare setting, center, group and family homes. Some was wonderful and other I would not let a dog go there.
We as parents should Advocate for the children, requiring that all childcare centers, group and family homes meet a certain standard. Even though licensing come out to inspect they don’t continue to check on the center, famiy and group homes.
The safety of the child is a prime concern of both parents and providers. Equipment, both indoors and outdoors, should be safe and suitable to children’s ages. Hazardous items should be stored away from children.
The layout of space affects children’s behavior. Physical space should be organized so children know where things are and how they can be found. Large individual spaces can lead to loud and aggressive behavior, so space should be divided into areas where children can work and play together. Children need small, quiet places when they need to have some time to themselves.
Caregivers need to be trained in Child Development or Early Childhood Education. Those who are or who have experience with children generally do a better job than those who do not. Trained providers understand how children grow and learn and they know how to provide the materials and activities that are most appropriate to the ages and interests of the children.
Generally the child care quality is higher as the group size gets smaller. The fewer children in a group, the more attention each child will get from the caregiver.
The parent’s relationship with the child’s caregiver is the key to good quality. It is essential to have open communication allowing you to express your feelings and views. In turn, your caregiver should be available to listen and provide valuable support when you need it. You should always feel welcome to visit at any time while your child is in care and feel open to discuss problems or concerns.
High Quality Child Care encourages healthy social, emotional, cognitive and physical development in the young child. Working parents are more stable and productive employees when their children are in quality environment. Choosing a good child care arrangement is an important decision that can improve the daily lives of children and parents.
There are many different types of care and many different ideas about the ideal environment for children. No matter what type of care you are looking for, there are some basic things to look for when judging the quality of care. I went to many different childcare setting, center, group and family homes. Some was wonderful and other I would not let a dog go there.
We as parents should Advocate for the children, requiring that all childcare centers, group and family homes meet a certain standard. Even though licensing come out to inspect they don’t continue to check on the center, famiy and group homes.
The safety of the child is a prime concern of both parents and providers. Equipment, both indoors and outdoors, should be safe and suitable to children’s ages. Hazardous items should be stored away from children.
The layout of space affects children’s behavior. Physical space should be organized so children know where things are and how they can be found. Large individual spaces can lead to loud and aggressive behavior, so space should be divided into areas where children can work and play together. Children need small, quiet places when they need to have some time to themselves.
Caregivers need to be trained in Child Development or Early Childhood Education. Those who are or who have experience with children generally do a better job than those who do not. Trained providers understand how children grow and learn and they know how to provide the materials and activities that are most appropriate to the ages and interests of the children.
Generally the child care quality is higher as the group size gets smaller. The fewer children in a group, the more attention each child will get from the caregiver.
The parent’s relationship with the child’s caregiver is the key to good quality. It is essential to have open communication allowing you to express your feelings and views. In turn, your caregiver should be available to listen and provide valuable support when you need it. You should always feel welcome to visit at any time while your child is in care and feel open to discuss problems or concerns.
