There are many professional societies that research childcare and the effect it has on the well-being, development and socialisation of children. One of these is the American-based National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, which carried out a 10-year study of what constituted excellent childcare and put together some recommendations for parents (and grandparents) who needed guidance in choosing the best for their young ones.
In today’s economic climate many mothers have to work, and therefore most children spend at least some time in childcare. So it is worth spending some time thinking about what it may mean to the children in your life. When you are in the market for childcare for your child there are a number of things to look for when assessing the centres you consider. Arrange to visit first, without your child, just to observe how they operate. Sit quietly out of the way, and do not attempt to interact with the children yourself, as that will change the dynamics you are there to evaluate. Don’t stay for just a few minutes; let them get used to your presence so they will act more naturally, as that is the behaviour that you need to evaluate.
Does the caregiver show an authentic positive attitude? Are they generally in a good mood, and interact in an encouraging way? Is he or she helpful and upbeat, ready with a smile? Are they unscary, and reassuring? These character and personality traits are very important, and should not be overshadowed by your focus on what it will cost, how easy it is to get to or the qualifications they may have obtained; it is the personality that will be interacting and influencing your child, and is of utmost importance in your selection.
Is the caregiver attentive to what the children in care say and do? Do they repeat the child’s words, comment on what has been said, and answer questions – or are they tuned out, focusing on other things? There is a big difference in merely being present and being a caregiver. An adult presence is often all you need for the short term so does not rule out anyone who just sits and reads, or knits, or texts their friends, but ideally you will find someone who is responsive and interactive with children, who likes and respects them, and who is patient and kind.
Does the caregiver encourage children to talk, to express themselves, to ask questions? Are they full of praise such as saying, “Well done!” and willing to create a pleasurable teaching opportunity by naming shapes, colours or objects? Does the caregiver tell stories, describe objects, or sing songs? All of these are good! Use of swear words is not good nor is complaining about the weather, the staff, the room, the selection of toys, or anything else; you want someone who is a positive role model. Does the caregiver encourage children to play together harmoniously, and reinforce shared activities? This type of environment encourages the child to grow, and learn, and build important life skills.
Some other features to note when assessing a childcare facility are the adult to child ratio (the more adults the better), play group size, and the hygiene habits of the carers – appropriate covering of mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequent hand washing, non-touching of mouths or noses of children unless followed by hand washing, clean facilities, appropriate storage and serving of food.
For more information you can visit:
http://www.he.utexas.edu/web/EECCR/images/booklet.pdf