Educating Young Children through Child Care

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Child care, whether it includes a daycare, in-home care, or a mother who has decided not to work, should offer educational and social benefits for children who attend. The push for early childhood education has proven the importance of educating children at an early age.

Today’s society demands that children be prepared for school by the time they reach school age. For this reason alone, childcare should have a focus on educating young children. In addition to society’s demands, every parent has a dream for his/her child. With ambitions of future doctors, lawyers, scientist, and political figures, it is important to realize that education will play a key role in the future of each and every child. Learning must start at a very early age to ensure that each child will reach his greatest potential. Child care can be used as a tool to prepare children to be successful. Educating through a means of child care allows children to develop basic skills and beginning knowledge. Education focused child care is a precursor to success throughout the school age years.

The educational benefits offered by child care are often not atop the list of reasons why child care is chosen. With the economy steadily going downhill, many parents are looking for the cheapest child care possible. Sadly, the cheapest child care does not always guarantee a great educational start for a child. How can you know that type of child care that you have chosen for your child is preparing him for the future? The following lists some simple suggestions on making sure your child is getting the education he needs in the child care setting.

  • Look at your child’s schedule or daily routine. What avenue does the type of childcare that you have chosen use to teach your child? Many centers or in-home programs will specify this as circle time or learning time. Does the daily routine include time for learning and time for play?
  • What curriculum is used? Many daycares or in-home programs will choose a curriculum for teaching. Ask to take a look at the curriculum to see if a curriculum geared toward educating the whole child is chosen. A curriculum that educates the child as a whole will focus on the mental and physical aspects of the growth of a child as well as social.
  • What are the qualifications for the teachers/caregivers in the child care program? As always, it is important to know who is working with your child on a daily basis. Many centers require that those who are teaching young children have an associates level degree at the least. Those who offer in-home care will often have a license to prove that they are qualified to keep children in their home.
  • Most importantly, listen to your child. A child who is learning will more than likely want to share his learning experiences. This can come in the form of singing, sharing the day’s events, problem solving, etc.

Education is the key to the future and should be the basic foundation of child care. It determines which children will be successful and also prepares tomorrow’s leaders. Child care is an avenue to begin educating at an early age. By choosing education focused child care, parents can help prepare their children for the many challenges that are sure to arise in life. Society is ever-changing. Education will always remain the focus of success within society.

Potty Training in the Child Care Setting

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All children must be potty trained at some point and time. This can pose a challenge for parents who have their children in child care. Parents must rely on child care workers to help in the process. Potty training becomes a team effort. Usually, child care centers begin working with children on potty training when they reach the age of two and a half years. What happens if you want to potty train your child at an earlier age? Most centers do not require that workers help children younger than the age of 2 learn how to use the potty. The decision to help in the learning process will be left up to the worker who spends the most time with the child during the day.
If you are interested in potty training your child younger than the collective age that is required by the child care center that your child attends, talk with the provider to see if she is willing to help in the process. If you explain that you feel that your child is ready for training, many providers will willingly help with the process. This will involve more one on one attention with your child and this is not always an easy task for providers who watch over younger. It will take willingness and dedication on her part.
After caregivers have agreed to help potty train your child, a potty training plan should be in place. The plan should be flexible and be agreed upon by both the care giver and the parents. The child should also be aware of the plan although many young children will not be able to comprehend the true outcome of it. Listed below are a few tips for potty training children in the child care setting. The tips could also be used for general potty training. They are not only limited to parents wanting to potty train their children at a younger age.

• Parents and caregivers must discuss how to make the potty training experience successful. Remember, this is a team effort by the caregiver, the parent, and the child. Communication between those involved will be crucial to success as potty training can prove to be a difficult task for some children.
• How often? Will your child be using the potty on a schedule? Be sure to include your child’s potty routine. It is beneficial to keep the child’s home schedule and daycare schedule similar. Some parents suggest encouraging the child to use the potty every hour to hour and a half.

• Will the child use a potty chair or a regular toilet? Most centers have child size toilets that young children can use. Sometimes, this serves as a motivation for potty training. Young children like using the “big” potty. Make sure the caregiver knows what you prefer. Some parents prefer the use of a potty chair because children use these at home.

• It is important that you take into consideration what your child will be wearing for the day and how it will affect the training. Dressing your child in full body suits can weigh down the training process for the child and for the caregiver. The child may not be able to get to the potty in time and the caregiver is likely to complain about dressing and undressing the child several times a day. Make your child’s clothing practical if you can!

• Be sure to provide rewards that the caregiver can give to your child when he/she is successful. Many children like simple rewards such as stickers or small candies. In my experience, using a reward chart serves as a great motivation for potty training. Children enjoy putting stickers on their chart eat time they potty. This is inexpensive and the children can visually see their own progress.

Following the tips above can lead to a positive potty training experience for the child, the parent, and the caregiver. The caregiver may have ideas in mind to contribute to the success. The key to success is having open communication. While I can’t promise that your will be potty trained within the week, I do promise that with hard work and team dedication your child can be potty trained younger than most child care centers recommend.

Dealing with Divorce in Child Care

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Divorce is common experience for children in America today.  Statistics show that the majority of the marriages in the U.S. will end in divorce.  The effects of divorce on children can be devastating and this impact will carry over to the child care setting.  Knowing what to expect from children who are going through this will allow parents and caregivers to be prepared for unexpected behaviors and to know how to properly deal with them.

What to Expect……….

Children handle divorce differently.  Two year olds will handle divorce in a different way than five-year olds. However, parents and caregivers are likely to see a change in most of the young children who are going through it.

  • Infants – Infants do not have the cognitive ability to know exactly what is going on. What they will notice is the change in the parent’s reactions to them.  They are likely to sense stress and tension from their parents.  Infants whose parents are going through divorce are often whiney. They may also experience changing in sleeping/eating patterns.  Infants are likely to develop relationship and bonding issues with the parent who spends the least time with the child.  Just because infants are not able to understand exactly what is going on, they will respond to the change.
  • 2-3 year olds – Children who are this age are not likely to understand what is going on.  What they do know is that they are no longer seeing both parents at the same time in the home.   Children will be more vocal about their feelings at this age and are likely to express feelings of emotion through their behaviors. What was once a calm, content child can quickly become an angry child with behavior issues. He or she is likely to cry for daddy or mommy.  Caregivers can expect behavior problems to arise in this age group.  Children may become excessively clingy and an increase in temper tantrums may occur.  An increase in violent behavior such as hitting, biting, etc. can also be expected.  Regression in toilet habits is common when children at this age experience divorce.
  • 4-5 year olds – These children are older and have a better understanding of what is going on.  While the word “divorce” is still a foreign word to them, they realize that mommy does not like daddy and vice versa.  Children at this age are likely to blame themselves for what is going on. They will gain fear of being abandoned by their parents. Children this age will also show increased anger and are prone to lashing out at parents, caregivers, or other children.  They can also become depressed and withdrawn from others around them.  Sometimes, they refuse to acknowledge that what is happening will go on forever.  They keep hope that they parents will get back together.  This age is also likely to repeat what they hear about the problem that is occurring at home.  They are quick to share the details of what is happening with those who will listen.  They may also act out what they are seeing and hearing during playtime.

Now that we understand the many changes that can occur in young children who are experiencing divorce, let’s explore how parents and caregivers can help children who are going through such traumatic experiences.  Parents must keep a continuous open relationship with the child and constantly reassure him that what is happening is not his fault.  Parents must understand and empathize with the child and realize that the behaviors stemming from the child is a result of emotions that he/she is feeling.  How a parents acts around a child will, in many cases, determine how the child acts. If the parent is stressed, the child is likely to show the same behavior.  Expressing feelings about the divorce or the spouse can weigh heavily on the minds of younger children. Limiting conversations and negative remarks about the divorce can be beneficial for the child.  Also, parents should strive to stick closely to a daily routine.  Children need stability and keeping a daily routine allows them to have it.  Keeping caregiver and other people who spend time with the children informed on the current situation is helpful They, too, need to be aware of what the child is experiencing.

How caregivers handle the divorce situation is also very important. Caregivers spend the majority of the day with the children and are likely to see the effects of the behavior first hand.  Caregivers need to be knowledgeable of the divorce.  First and foremost they must respect the wishes of the custodial parent and obey the rules set by courts when it comes to who is allowed to see or pick up the child from daycare.  Caregivers must also be able to empathize with the child and understand and adjust to behaviors that may not be normal for the child.  The child is likely to turn to the caregiver for security.  It is important that the caregiver reassures the child that everything is going to be okay.

Parents and caregivers must work together to ensure that the child is getting the one and one attention he needs during this period of his life. While the effects of divorce will continue to be manifested through the childhood, the here and now must be the focus.  Parents and caregivers will not be able to shield the emotions that children will feel during this time.  They can only provide and offer support to children who are hurting.  It will more than likely not be an easy road for the parent, child, or the caregiver.

Choosing Child Care that Works for You

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The demand for child care has become greater as more women choose to enter the workforce.   As the economy continues to struggle, the need for two incomes rises.  For this reason, the need for child care also increases.  Who will take care of the children if mom is at work? Choosing the right child care is not always easy.  There are many factors involved when making this decision. Parents want to ensure, first and foremost, that their children will be safe.  The child care also has to be affordable and fit within the family budget.  It must also be a place that the child or children can learn and grow.  What options are available to parents in need of child care?  What should you look for in the type of care you choose?

The most obvious choice for parents looking for childcare is a child care center.  This is usually the most costly option but the many benefits of a child care center are attractive to parents.  A child care center ensures that parents will always have a place to bring their child as there are no cancellations at daycares. They also offer many educational benefits.  Children who attend centers learn how to socialize with their peers and gain a sense of identity.  Child care centers have very structured environments and help prepare children for grade school.  What exactly should you look for when choosing a child care center for your child? It is important to tour centers to get a feel for what center will work best for your children. The following lists important qualities that every child care should possess. .

  • License – Is the child care center licensed?  If so, where do they display the license?  A license will ensure that the center is operating according to state requirements.
  • Are the children separated into different groups according to age?  Are there developmentally appropriate toys for them to play?  Separating the children is important for safety. It is also important that the children be able to socialize with children their own age.
  • What is the child to teacher ratio?  The child to teacher ratio must meet state standards.  Some of the better child care centers will reduce the child to teacher ratio to ensure the children are getting the attention they need.
  • What are the requirements for the child care providers? Child care providers at quality center will be required to have training and experience related to childcare.
  • Safety – Does the center appear to be safe?  Fire extinguishers must be in sight and you must be able to see fire escape plans.  This will ensure that the providers know what to do in case of a fire.
  • Are the children in the center happy? When touring the daycare be sure to pay attention to the demeanor of the children who go to the center.  If many children look unhappy, chances are your child will feel the same way.

Another option for parents is in-home care. Many people choose this type of care because it offers care but still has an at home feel.  Parents who have placed their children in in-home care like the smaller group size it offers.  They also feel that it is the next best thing to having their children at home. Children get more one on one attention in this setting. Drop off and pick up times are more flexible and parents are not charged outrageous fees per every minute that is stayed late.  Most centers will follow the public school schedule and close on holidays.  In-home providers are less likely to close for holidays.  The greatest advantage of in-home care is the cost.  These providers cost significantly less than centers.  Parents are also attracted to in-home care because their children are not exposed to as many illnesses.

The decision to leave your child in in-home care must not be taken lightly.  What should you do to help in making this decision? How can you ensure that you are leaving your child in the home of someone you can trust and who is reliable.  The following gives a few recommendations on choosing the in-home care that works for you and your family.

  • In-home daycares will also be required to have a license. Is the license displayed so that you can see it?
  • Are their emergency plans in place?
  • References – Does the provider have references that you can get information from? Are other parents willing to recommend the in-home provider?
  • Are the toys developmentally appropriate for the children who are in the home? There should still be educational benefits at in-home daycares.  Does the child’s schedule involve learning and playing time?
  • What education or experience does the provider have?  The provider should be able to prove that she has worked with children or has the education needed to work with them.
  • Most importantly, who is allowed in and out of the home during the day? The people who live in the home should also be checked out.  Know who is around your child and what they are about.

The increased need for child care has brought about more options for parents. Whether you want your child to attend a center or in-home care, chances are there is a local provider near you.  Child care decision must be taken seriously.  Make sure that your child is in the best care possible.