As a parent, you want your child to have an early start in learning. Although you are hesitant about putting them in childcare, it is the only way of ensuring their mental, physical and emotional development.
And that is especially the case when your child is between zero to three years of age. However, there is no better way of giving your little one the best start to their educational journey than putting them in Busy Bees or similar childcare with a nursery service.
In these centres, they receive the right environment conducive to their overall growth. Being in the presence of other kids allows them to develop their social skills and deal with things like anxiety.
But what are the other reasons and benefits of putting your kid into a nursery? How will it benefit your child? Read on to find out.
Reasons behind putting your child in a nursery
Scientists and child experts hold the first two years to be extremely important to a kid’s development because it is a time when they witness rapid brain growth, with more than one million neural connections forming every second.
Once this period is over, the development phase sees a slowdown, which is why it’s necessary to keep them in a place suitable for learning.
During this period, a kid smiles, waves, and takes a step for the first time. Parents celebrate these events as developmental milestones, moments that they cherish throughout their lives.
As mentioned earlier, even though you might be hesitant to leave them in a nursery during this time, you must consider doing so.
For one, a qualified educator constantly supervises the child and guides them every step of the way. They will try to form a loving, nurturing and responsive relationship with your little one, thus building the foundation for future education.
For babies between six weeks to a year
Six weeks is the minimum age at which most daycare facilities accept your child. During this time, the baby sees the world around it, taking in as much as possible. They might mimic expressions and are highly receptive to sounds and sights.
Educators form a deep bond with them and help them feel secure through expert learning. It is vital that the child interact sufficiently with the educators since it helps improve their knowledge and gives them a sense of security.
Tiny toddlers between one to two years
Once a child is between one and two years of age, they become more expressive in their emotions. They might attempt to walk and even take a few steps.
Tiny toddlers are receptive to their environment and react according to the circumstances. They start mimicking the emotions expressed in front of them, for example, laughing when they see others laugh or crying when they watch someone cry.
During this stage, the teachers help the child grow mentally by assisting them when required.
What should the nursery rooms be like?
Before admitting your child into a nursery, check its physical environment or infrastructure. It should have a positive aura and exude happiness. The nursery rooms should have a relaxed, calm, and welcoming atmosphere.
They should offer various experiences, with the child having several options for playing games and trying new activities. The educators should provide them with many toys they enjoy playing with.
The rooms must be well-lit, bright and ventilated, with colours that have a calming effect on the mind. The child should get a homely feeling during their time in the nursery.
Things you should bring to the childcare
Even though a good facility will provide the necessary items for your child, it is a good idea to ask the educator a list of things you should bring to the facility daily.
For instance, you might consider bringing a dummy/comforter, bottle of milk, a water bottle, and two pairs of clothing appropriate for the season, including training pants, socks, and underwear.
First day at the service
It is natural for both the parents and children to be nervous and anxious on the first day at the service. Parents become highly emotional at leaving their toddler in someone else’s care.
Child experts suggest that parents spend the first day with their children at childcare facilities. It allows the child to feel comfortable and gradually adjust to the new environment until you can leave them under the care of educators.
During your time at the centre, you could join them in any activity they choose to pursue. It would be helpful to tell them when you would return, as that will help them build confidence and trust in a routine.
Should you bring any toys?
Usually, a good facility will provide different kinds of fun and educational toys to help the children have an enjoyable time. In most cases, the educators suggest you leave your child’s toys home because they would not accept personal responsibility for the items.
How to select a good service?
What policies do they have?
The service’s policies should comply with the National laws and Regulations, and its staff should always abide by the guidelines.
Do they provide adequate sun safety?
Sun safety is crucial because your child will spend some time outdoors (even if it’s for a little while). Spending even 15 minutes under direct sunlight, particularly during summers, causes skin cancer from overexposure to UV radiation.
The facility should organise outdoor play and activities in adequately shaded areas, with permanent playing areas protected by shade throughout the year.
Your child should wear loose and comfortable clothes that allow free movement. Hats help protect your child from excessive sun exposure.
What kind of food do they provide?
The meals must follow strict nutritional guidelines established by Nutrition Australia, ensuring your child receives all the nutrients necessary for mental and physical growth.
The centre might have a rule preventing you from bringing outside food items unless the Service Manager approves them. If your child has a birthday and you want to bring a cake, you must inform the staff about its ingredients.
Is immunisation mandatory?
It is better to enquire about the immunisation policies in advance since some States prohibit children without immunisation from enrollment in child services.
In most cases, the facility will require an updated Immunisation History Statement before admitting your child.
You should consider putting your little one at Busy Bees or similar childcare, where they receive an excellent start to their educational journey under the constant supervision of educators. It will help them build their confidence, self-esteem, and personality for the future.