5 things to consider when it comes to Childcare
Don’t let the huge number of Childcare Centres scare you. Know what to look for and find the perfect place
Having kids is hard work, what’s even harder? Finding the perfect day-care centre for them! Whether you need some time to yourself, work might be banging at your door, or whatever the reason may be, looking for childcare can be incredibly daunting to a first timer. With so many different options it might seem impossible to find one that works best for you and your little one. So firstly...
What kind of childcare do you need?
Yes, there is more than one kind! It’s important to make sure you’re choosing a type of care that suits your family’s routine and meets your needs.
Long Day Care
Operating in a childcare centre, providing professional care for children aged from 6 weeks to 5 years over and is open for the most part of the year (excluding Christmas break and public holidays). Generally, Long Day Care centres have a particular centre approach or philosophy that they follow.
One stand out centre is Nuture and Develop Early Childhood Centre in Sandgate, Lauren Burrows, as the centre Director tells us a bit about their centre;
“[We’re] a family owned and operated centre, a place to inspire your child’s curiosity, support their desire to discover whilst in a safe and nurturing environment…we welcome children from six weeks to six years of age. Monday to Friday from 6.30am til 6pm; 50 weeks of the year.”
Family Day Care
Offers flexible care that based at an educator’s home whilst still meeting National Regulations.
Preschool
Cater specifically for children aged between 3-5 years and generally operate within similar school hours with a focus on preparing your child for their first year of Primary School.
Nanny/Au pair
Usually employed to work within the family’s home so that to focus on the individual child’s routine.
What is the Centre’s approach/philosophy?
NDECC is Reggio Emilia inspired centre who believes that each child’s emotional, social and cognitive potentials are cultivated and guided within a natural inspired space.
“Our task is to help children communicate with the world using all their potential, strengths and languages, and to overcome any obstacle presented by our culture” – Loriz Malaguzzi
“We believe that a culture of belonging is where the identity of the children, families, educators, and community is valued, and where genuine partnerships are nurtured to enhance the experience of the children whilst in our care.”
What facilities & inclusions does the service offer?
There might be something, in particular, you’d like to see your childcare provider offer.
“We provide everything; nappies, wipes, hats, all meals. That’s breakfast for early starters who arrive before 7:45am, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a late afternoon snack. As well as formula, so that parents only need to bring a bottle and a spare change of clothes. We also meet dietary requirements, skin allergies; we can cater for almost everything.”
Nurture & Develop Early Childhood Centre has an array of facilities:
- A purpose-built art studio
- Indoor/outdoor learning space
- An open modern kitchen
- Communal dining room
- Landscape designed outdoor areas with vegetable patch and chicken coop
- Mud kitchen and tool bench
- Worm Farm
- Rainwater tank
Communication with Staff
When you first start visiting your childcare provider, dropping your children off with complete strangers can be scary; for both you and your child.
You want to know what kind of communication you might be receiving on the daily about your child’s day, how effective that communication is and can you provide constructive feedback and opinions regarding your child’s care.
“We recognise collaboration and communication between families, through daily reflections, newsletters, and conversations, in order to share your child’s special learning moments in an informative way… we value and encourage constructive feedback, suggestions, and opinions, for continuous dialogue and growth.”
Trust Your Gut
Overall, it is important to remember when considering your childcare options that every family is different, and what works for one may not work for the other. So, do your research, ask lots of questions and ultimately, trust your instincts!
So if you are interested about NDECC, please contact them for a centre tour to view the wonderful spaces and see what they can offer you and your child!