4 Under-the-Radar Things About Day Care Parents Need To Know

There’s more to day care than dropping your child off in the morning and picking them up at the end of the day. There’s fees, vaccinations, and inspections to think about. Here’s 4 points you probably haven’t considered yet, but really should think about.

Spots are limited

Not all child care providers will have dozens of vacancies. There’s budgets and carer numbers that factor into the equation. A standard ratio of carer to child is 1:5.

Thankfully there’s the option of going on a waitlist. If somebody pulls out of childcare for the year you’re closer to getting a spot.

Bullying

It’s a shock but yes, children are capable from bullying at a young age. Little things, from excluding others in games, to bigger and more troublesome behaviour like name-calling and physical altercations (e.g. pushing) are all signs of bullying.

The kids mightn’t be aware of their behaviour and how it can hurt others, but it’s best to tackle the problem quickly. Reluctance to go to daycare, withdrawing into themselves, and bruises are signs to watch out for if you suspect your child is a victim of bullying.

Children do tell us things

Young kids don’t know the concept of a ‘filter’ and aren’t capable of fibs (that’s a learned behaviour). Childcare workers notice any of their charges behaving differently, like suddenly becoming sullen and quiet when they’re normally bright and bubbly. When asked what’s wrong, the child might say something that hints at problems in the home.

Naturally, any troubling behaviour or confessions are kept confidential until discussed with the parents.

Bullying by Raising Children

Playing IS learning

Children are making towers and houses out of wooden blocks. You see them playing. We see them using critical skills.

Children use play to make sense of the world around them and they learn through doing. Critical thinking is used to make a building block tower that doesn’t fall over. Communication is used to negotiate activities within a group. Play is the work of children and daycare, as well as the Early Years Learning Framework, provides a structured environment where they can learn to the best of their ability.

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