Parents will hear many differing opinions on whether and when their child should start day care. If you are ready to return to work or you think your child could benefit from an early learning centre environment, here are some questions to consider.
Does your child thrive in a group setting?
If your child can’t wait to see friends or go to the park, chances are they will love the stimulating environment of your local childcare centre. Start by taking your child to play-activities where parents stay. If they take off without a care, they may be ready for the longer term separation of a daycare situation.
How do I find a childcare to suit my child?
When Emma was ready to return to work, she used the Bathurst childcare Myxplor directory to find the best fit for her son Oliver, an active two year old in the Bathurst region where she lived. From the detailed descriptions available on the site, she narrowed her search down to two and then arranged a visit to see if they were a good match for her family.
With around twenty-six Bathurst childcare centres to choose from, the site was useful in helping her make a decision.
How does your child deal with noise and movement?
Shopping centre shows, swimming at your local aquatic centre or a trip to a popular playground are all good ways to expose your child to the kind of busy activity they might find at childcare. Beginning with this kind of fun activity will help speed up their readiness to enjoy the many activities they will partake in at any of the top quality childcare centres in Bathurst.
If your child prefers quiet activities, use the Myxplor directory to find a Bathurst childcare centre that offers plenty of quiet ‘nooks’ and spaces that they can enjoy.
How do they respond to other adults?
If your child happily interacts with unfamiliar adults, their childcare experience will be off to a positive start. Though Bathurst childcare centres strive to have regular staffing, everyone gets sick on occasion and temporary staff may be needed for a day or two. Take your child to the centre a week or so before they start and get them familiar with their new day carers.
Are they ready to make friends?
If your child hasn’t had the opportunity to make friends of their own age, it doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy doing so in a childcare setting. Bathurst has a wide choice of childcare centres with differing philosophies, which means you can find one that fits in with your family values and offer your child the chance to make the type of friends they will be familiar with.
It’s natural to have concerns about leaving your child at childcare when you first return to work, or just need time during the week. Bathhurst childcare centres follow rigorous guidelines and will make your child not just welcome but cared for and nurtured.