When is the best age to start your child in childcare?

Deciding on the best time to enrol your child into childcare is a big decision that many parents have to make. It's not only the time to enrol your child, but you need to decide which type of care is best suited and what days and how many will be right. In this post, we'll share some information that may help you make your decision slightly easier.

The type of care

The most common type of care is childcare centres however, there are a few more options available such as family childcare or having a nanny look after your child for you. Each has its pros and cons. Family daycares usually have one primary carer, two at the maximum, and the group sizes are relatively small, allowing your child to form a close bond with their carer and their peers. Childcare centres are typically big, and a lot of children attend, while their care may not be as personalised, the children usually have ample age-appropriate facilities and toys to play with along with many children their age, allowing them to make friends easily. A nanny suits some parents better who work irregular or long hours and like the idea of having the one person come into their child's environment to look after them. It can help with keeping to routines by being in their familiar surroundings.

Which one is best will ultimately depend on your individual circumstances and budget.

Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

Babies

Babies are highly dependent on their carers, and routine plays a big part in making them feel comfortable and settled. Having one person looking after your baby or a familiar face works well for the first year of life. If you prefer the idea of a traditional daycare, consider one that has a low educator to baby ratio to ensure that your baby will be tended to quickly when needed.

Toddlers

Toddlers need similar care to babies although, most are on the move by this stage and need a safe and hygienic environment to explore and play. The care you choose should offer stimulating activities and lower child to staff ratios are desirable. Experience working with children of this age and patience are needed to work with toddlers. All childcare options work for this age, but if you would like your child to socialise with other children, a nanny or au pair, may not provide the same opportunity as a childcare or family daycare centre.

Preschoolers

Children of preschool age centre their day around play and fun, and a childcare centre is the perfect setting to do this. They can explore their imaginations and interact with other children of the same age. Many centres offer a preschool program that prepares them for the years ahead and prep.

If you prefer in-home care or a nanny, let them know what you'd like your child to be learning or suggest activities that they can do if they haven't already got a curriculum in place.

When is the best time to enrol your child into childcare?

Every family is different and has a unique set of circumstances, so an age that may work for one family, may not for another. This should be the basis of your decision, not what other families are doing. There isn't a perfect time to send your child to daycare, you know your child best and your work/life schedule.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before enrolling your child into care

1. Do you think you and your child are ready for daycare?

2. How does your child go when around unfamiliar places or people?

3. Does your child cope well with change?

4. Can you afford daycare or to stay or home?

5. What is important to you when choosing a childcare?

6. Do you have any concerns with enrolling your child into childcare, if so, what are they?

7. How do think your child will go with additional noise and being around a lot of people daily?

8. Do you have a pros and cons list of the different services available? If not, this is the time to make one.

9. Does your child have specific dietary requirements, and does the childcare cater to these?

10. Does the care include food, nappies, wipes etc or do you have to supply these?

11. Are you eligible for a child care rebate, if yes, does the childcare or care offer this?

If you have decided to stay home, it can be beneficial for your child to attend daycare even one or two days a week before they go to primary school. This can help them in many ways, such as adjusting to a new environment, making new friendships, learning new things and being away from you consistently can make the transition that much easier when it comes around.

Another factor to consider is that some childcares have waiting lists, so if you know you want to put your child into care, ask to go on the waitlist as soon as you can. This will ensure your child gets a spot when you are ready to enrol them.

If you live near Tallebudgera on the Gold Coast and are looking for a childcare that offers a nurturing and supportive environment for your child to grow and flourish, look no further than our centre here at Little Saints. Contact us for more information.