Child and adolescent psychiatrists recognize that the ideal environment for raising a small child is in the home with parents and family. Some experts recommend a minimum of six or more months leave for parents after a child is born to promote bonding. Intimate daily parental care taking of infants for the first several months of life is particularly important. Many children, particularly after the age of three, benefit from good, group day care, where they can have fun and learn how to interact with others.
American families have been radically restructured as the number of women in the workforce has nearly doubled. Instead of parents providing early child care, it is outsourced to virtual strangers. The “Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development,” supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), said that children who spend time in day care may be more aggressive than children who spend no time in day care. According to the study, the number of hours a child spends in day care also affects his aggression levels; the more hours he is there, the more aggressively he behaves. However, some reject the statistical correlation as too small to be presumed a fact.
Facilities in a Model Child Care Center
Attachment and emotional development
Some young children, when left with a day care provider, exhibited a range of negative emotions and behaviors including crying and clinging to parents, screaming or hiding from the provider after the parents have left. Such children frequently developed insecure attachment issues and separation anxiety. Other children adjusted more readily and eagerly joined their peers, barely acknowledging their parents’ departure. These children demonstrated more security, less separation anxiety and greater preparedness for eventually entering school.
Facilities in a Model Child Care Center
Attachment and emotional development
Some young children, when left with a day care provider, exhibited a range of negative emotions and behaviors including crying and clinging to parents, screaming or hiding from the provider after the parents have left. Such children frequently developed insecure attachment issues and separation anxiety. Other children adjusted more readily and eagerly joined their peers, barely acknowledging their parents’ departure. These children demonstrated more security, less separation anxiety and greater preparedness for eventually entering school.
Improved Vocabulary
An NICHD study of Early Child Care and Youth Development found that children who attended high-quality day care prior to kindergarten performed better on vocabulary tasks in the fifth grade than children who attended lower-quality day care.
An NICHD study of Early Child Care and Youth Development found that children who attended high-quality day care prior to kindergarten performed better on vocabulary tasks in the fifth grade than children who attended lower-quality day care.
Now let us look at the major good and bad signs of child care centers
Take time to work out what your family needs - can you always be available for the rigid pick-up times imposed by many day care centers. Ask parents you respect for recommendations and make the time to check out a few child care centers or nannies if you are considering these options. Look for day care centers with low staff turnovers and long waiting lists - these are usually the best! A good nanny will have experience, first aid qualifications and a drivers license - but don't forget to check their references, even if they come from an agency. So make the child care experience good for your kid.
Good signs of child care
center
|
Bad signs of child care
center
|
| Good reputation |
So-so reputation
|
| Established ground rules |
Loose rules
|
| Stimulating curriculum | Questionable curriculum |
| Open communication | Non-Stimulating Environment |
| Qualified, dedicated, and professional staff | Emotional Support from Caregivers |
| A structured and child-focused curriculum that is customized for different children | Activities Don't Promote Mental, Physical, Social and Emotional Growth |
| Day care following health and safety regulations | Unhealthy Environment |
| State Licensing Requirements Aren't Followed | |
Warning
signs
|
|
| Lack of open communication | Too Many Children |
| Frequent change in staff | Low standards in cleanliness and safety |
| Vague or Undocumented Policies | Disrespect for Your Concerns |
Take time to work out what your family needs - can you always be available for the rigid pick-up times imposed by many day care centers. Ask parents you respect for recommendations and make the time to check out a few child care centers or nannies if you are considering these options. Look for day care centers with low staff turnovers and long waiting lists - these are usually the best! A good nanny will have experience, first aid qualifications and a drivers license - but don't forget to check their references, even if they come from an agency. So make the child care experience good for your kid.
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