When choosing a childcare centre, cost, location, and availability are all important factors. But they’re far from the only ones to consider.
In the early years of education, it’s important to consider relationships, spaces and values that will encourage your child to learn and feel good.
Choose a Centre With Good Communication
Communication is the foundation of any great relationship. Before you meet with an educator, check out their online presence to get a feel for how they communicate.
Dr Cohen advises you to ‘look for centres who have taken into consideration you as a parents by providing you with what you need on their website such as opening hours, key programs and activities, as well testimonials and advice. This shows the centre cares about their families and wants to have a positive interaction with you.
The presence of regular blogs, including news, tips and advice, as well as online learning activities, shows that the centre makes an effort to communicate with parents via its website.
This app is private and secure and allows you to communicate in real time with your child’s educator to update them on their day, share stories about learning and development and to keep up to date.
It’s a great idea to check if a centre uses something because you’ll feel more connected to your child’s experiences.
She also suggests that you speak to the centre manager and educators to find out how they support and accommodate children’s schedules. This will allow your child to settle in more smoothly.
Find Inspiring Resources And Environments For Early Childhood Education
It doesn’t matter if a centre is large or small, established or new, as long as it has a range of activities and places that encourage your child and all children to learn by playing.
There should be different areas where your children can socialise, play, explore, relax, etc.
- There should be quiet areas at your potential centre. This could include a nook or a small area where your child feels hidden but is still visible to the caregiver.
- Dress-up zones where your child can learn about relationships and the way people interact in their environment by roleplaying.
- The installation of light fixtures that allow shadow play can spark your child’s curiosity, and inspire their creativity and persistence.
Dr Cohen warns that bigger is not always better. She encourages you not to focus on the size of a space but to consider what is available to create opportunities. For example, being able climb, dig in a water play area, or work in a gardening. All of these activities encourage a child to develop physically and socially.
It is vital that children learn to play imaginatively and socialise with other people.
Focus On Early Learning And Education
Your child’s first few years are a period of rapid brain development. A provider with a high rating will help your child grow and learn, as well as achieve their full potential.
Ask about the programs, experiences and curriculum offered by child care centers. Make sure that they adhere to the quality standards set forth by the government. Visit the centres in person to observe their approach to learning.
You ‘look at things like the artwork on walls or the projects the kids have worked on. The zoo can be represented by paintings or drawings of animals, stories or play environments focusing on exotic animals. This is a great example of how the centre has integrated learning into fun activities for children in a thoughtful and engaging way.
Dr Cohen suggests you also look for a center that offers activities such as yoga, other languages than English, or excursions to local shops or parks because “These are all real ways that children can learn and understand the world in a meaningful way.”
Consider Community Connections And Sustainable Practices
Choose a child care centre in Auckland that shares your values of community and sustainability to ensure continuity between home and care.
Centres are ‘Passionate About Connections, Communication and Being an Active Part of the Local Community’. She encourages you to examine how your prospective center, Addresses Collaboration and Diversity and cultivates Experiences That Open Up a World of Possibilities for Your Child.’ This can be achieved through cultural and community activities, such as kids’ excursions in the local area.
She says that sustainability is important for many families, because they know that educating children now will shape their future. So, check if your prospective center uses recycled materials, teaches under-fives how to reduce waste and composts in the garden.
Find Out How The Centre Supports Nutrition And Well-Being
Dr Cohen believes that early childhood education about health and well-being is an important component of development. It also lays the foundation for a positive attitude towards food throughout life.
She said, “Children are role models for adults in their love of eating, so make sure the center replicates your values, such as nutritious, fresh foods and inclusive, fun mealtimes.”
A chef or educator on site can teach your child how to cook or what is in the food. There are also many lessons that a garden of vegetables or herbs can provide.
Child care gardens are a great way to teach children about food, where it comes from, what vegetables grow like, and how they can be harvested. She encourages parents to ‘look for a vegetable garden at the center you’re interested in, and to ask them about their menu, as this is a very important part of your child’s growth.
All of this is excellent advice. But, ultimately, you want to find a centre that’s not only available, has affordable childcare fees, is easily accessible, and offers good facilities. You also want a centre that’ll teach, nurture, and inspire your child.
