Archive for the ‘Day Care’ Category

Why Child Care is Necessary

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

Imagine the next time you join a discussion about Day Care. When you start sharing the fascinating Day Care facts below, your friends will be absolutely amazed.

Latchkey kids are a thing of the past and for good reason. Child care is a necessary part of parenting, and there are many services available today to assist with this tough challenge. Societies now encourage children to learn more, become responsible at an earlier age, and to put it simply, grow up faster. Parents are no longer encouraged to allow a child of seven or eight to take him or herself home after school and stay alone until Mom or Dad get home from work. Sexual predators are a very real threat; a child can be followed home from school and victimized. But if there is child care, this will be avoided.

Today, child care abounds. There is full-time, part-time, drop-in and day care centers. Child care doesn’t have to mean you’re away from your child all day from morning to night, missing the milestones we all enjoy. Depending on your child care needs, and your work situation, sometimes child care can be very minimal. Maybe several hours a week will be all you need from an in-home child care provider, with a backup of drop-in child care for those emergency or unplanned occasions; a drop-in child care provider can be a lifesaver.

The information about Day Care presented here will do one of two things: either it will reinforce what you know about Day Care or it will teach you something new. Both are good outcomes.

You can still interact with your child while he is at child care. Offering to volunteer, especially when your child is in attendance, will make him feel more comfortable when you are not there. Making sure you attend when it is your child’s birthday is an important goal to strive for. Most child care providers and day care centers make a party on a child’s birthday, as do kindergartens and grammar schools. You can also surprise your child and stop by during your lunch break and offer to eat lunch with him, read a book or just play with him. If your child care provider has a website or a newsletter that is sent home, you can plan ahead to attend one of the events they have scheduled, such as a field trip to a museum or a park. Just spending some time with your child is important and meaningful while he is spending his day in child care.

Child care can also mean a family member watching your child. There are still some vital guidelines, however, to follow if this is your child care situation. If the relative is an older person, you certainly want to make sure that they are capable of handling any type of emergency that might arise. Also, if the relative has to take any medication while he is providing child care to your child, the medications should be unavailable to the child. No matter what age a child is, it is strenuous activity at the least. Falling back on television as an activity is frowned upon; however, some children’s television shows are all about learning and should be allowed. This also gives the caregiver time to catch their breath! If your relative is of the younger generation, they may not need to take time out to catch a breath, but they certainly need to be coached in what you are requiring of them.

Making a list would be helpful, having several sessions alone with the child while Mom runs an errand will give you and your child some time to see how the caregiver and your child get along. Through trial and hopefully not very much error, child care can be a cakewalk.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Why Is Day Care Licensure Important?

Friday, January 28th, 2011

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Day Care to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Day Care experts.

Day care licensure is a means by which the government, on a city, county, state and national level, may regulate the standards of care provided by a facility by establishing set guidelines which must be adhered to. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, and may be obtained from an Office of Child Care Licensing. These requirements apply to all facilities caring for more than seven children for a period of time longer than three hours, and guidelines apply to all areas of child care.

While having completed licensure requirements does not guarantee that a facility is the right one for an individual child, it does guarantee that at the very least a child’s minimum needs are being met. The guidelines established in the requirements for obtaining a license outline cover all aspects of child care. Directors and teachers are required to have completed a specified amount of secondary education in child development or education, giving them a deeper understanding of the child psyche and a better ability to troubleshoot when problems arise. Teacher’s aides are required to be completing coursework in these same fields. All staff are required to have their fingerprints on file, and the director should keep a current, up-to-date file on each employee, complete with a background check.

A reasonable staff to child ratio is outlined, with specifics given for personal attention for infants and toddlers. Directions for feeding, napping, diaper changes and playtime are outlined, as well as for age appropriate equipment and supplies. All educators are required to be familiar with each child’s file, and able to meet any special needs a child may possess, whether medical or otherwise. Guidelines are given for children in wheelchairs, or with other disabilities. A minimum level of care is outlined, with directions given for feeding, activities, and assistance.

Prior to licensure, a facility must be inspected and found to meet specified fire and safety requirements, and fire drills must be done once a month to ensure that all children and staff are familiar with procedures in the event of an emergency. A staff member trained in CPR and first aid should be present on the grounds any time children are present, and must accompany all groups on trips off the grounds.

Proper equipment, such as high chairs and cribs, must be provided for infants and conform to current safety standards. Procedures are given and must be followed for any cases of suspected neglect and abuse.

Licensed facilities are required to renew their license at the end of as set period of time, as well as submit to regular inspections. Failure to meet any licensure guidelines may result in a facility being fined and/or having its license revoked or suspended.

The consequences of poor care in daycare centers are widely documented. Children suffering from abuse at the hands of poorly trained staff members. An excessive number of students per staff member resulting in a lack of personal attention, which may lead to discipline problems and unreasonable demands for attention later in life, as well as a higher incidence of injury from children being poorly supervised. Licensure guidelines are intended to prevent these problems from arising, thereby ensuring that children in daycare facilities have a healthy, safe environment in which to grow and learn. A list of licensed day care facilities may be obtained from any social services department.

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Day Care, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

There’s no doubt that the topic of Day Care can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Day Care, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Day Care Issues Separation Anxiety

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

The more you understand about any subject, the more interesting it becomes. As you read this article you’ll find that the subject of Day Care is certainly no exception.

Day care issues of facility policy, additional charges and late fees, and visitation rules are important issues but none seem as pertinent as the problem of separation anxiety. Few parents enjoy leaving their child with a stranger for hours at a time, and though there are benefits to child care it is hardly on your mind when faced with a child having a temper tantrum as you are trying to leave the daycare facility to head to work. So how can you ease this often temporary situation The solution lies within yourself to come up with creative and personalized ways to ease your child through one of the most difficult day care issues separation anxiety.

Not all children have day care issues such as separation anxiety. Some babies and children enjoy being around other children in a new environment, and take to daycare right away. Those parents are the lucky ones. But if you are experiencing any of the following situations at drop off time, there are changes you can make to get through this time of transition (because it will pass). Don’t mistake separation anxiety for misbehaving. Understanding your child’s fears is the first step.

Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:

Your child knows you as the source of comfort in his life and even the smallest of children will experience fear when seeing their mommy leave their surroundings and go away. What you say and how you say it can be understood by your child. If you have a baby you are nursing, try to schedule time to nurse your baby right before you leave. Holding and comforting your baby this way is a great way to make a connection, and talking to your baby helps to relax him. If you are feeling anxious about leaving your baby, he will most definitely sense this. If you have done your homework, and are confident in the environment in which you are leaving him, let this come through in your voice. Your tone of voice will reassure him you’ll be back soon and that you love him.

Your toddler invariably starts his tantrum early, before you even leave the house for the daycare center. Day care issues can impact the home environment as well but there are ways to get around this too. Start by being consistent. You have made up your mind to put your child in daycare, stick to the routine. Don’t look for ways to skip days; it won’t get your child through this transition period any smoother. Before bedtime, read storybooks that talk about daycare. Go to the library; the librarian can help you choose books geared to your child’s age. At the very least, talk to your child during story time; explain to him where you will be going and that you will be back for him when you are done working.

Day care issues such as separation anxiety can last for up to two weeks or longer depending on your child. If you feel he is he exhibiting more serious reactions at drop off time than previously or if he seems to be more upset or generally not your happy child, maybe an unannounced visit to the facility is called for. If you drop in and look around, you can help yourself get a better picture of how your child’s day is going. Maybe he is unhappy because the environment is unhealthy for him, and this is the only way he can tell you. Then it would be time to change day care facilities.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Day Care Safety

Monday, January 24th, 2011

In today’s world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate. While I was gathering facts for this article, I was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed.

Accidents happen, it’s a fact of life, but when it happens to your child it can be devastating. That’s why prevention is still the best cure. Being aware of the day care safety precautions at your facility can help set your mind at ease when it comes time to leave your child. Making sure that some of the standards and safety precautions set by the licensing boards are met is basic but there are also additional questions you may want to ask.

Daycare facilities have come under much scrutiny; the McMartin preschool trial in the late 1980′s put all parents on alert. It also brought to light that closer watch need be kept on our children in these environments. Employee background checks, surveillance cameras (hidden and not hidden) and monitoring devices are now the modus operandi of daycare facilities. These precautions help protect the daycare provider as well as the parent. But some basic day care safety items should still be verified by you, the parent, before leaving your child at any facility.

Are all the licenses up to date Have the current employees been checked out with background checks A thorough background check will include any past felony and misdemeanor convictions, including DUI, and also will check the state’s Sex Offender Registry. Make sure this has been done on all employees who come in contact with your child.

Is there a sign in sheet or another form of verification for picking up and dropping off your child Upon registering your child you would have been given a sheet to fill out which included a list of who is permitted to take your child from daycare. As an extra precaution, a special code word, that only you and your child knows, should be put into play. When someone other than yourself or a designated individual comes to pick up your child in the case of an emergency, your child would ask them the code word. This can help put your child at ease if you are unable to speak with him.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about Day Care? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

On a more physical level, take a look around the facility. You will want to make sure that all stairs and elevated surfaces are guarded, equipment such as jungle gyms has the falling surface area protected, and windows are protected.

Within the main rooms, especially if this is a family in-home provider, check for small spaces where a child can get trapped. Check for tripping hazards, sharp corners on furniture, splinters and sharp or rusty nails, electrical outlets that are not covered. The same safety precautions you take in your own home should be exercised at the facility.

The environment in general should be free of debris, small items that can be choking hazards, worn carpets or surfaces needing repair. Safety gates should be used where needed, window blind cords tied up or nonexistent, lists of recalled toys should be consulted and those toys removed.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission’s national study done in 1998 was conducted statewide in 220 licensed child care facilities. Two thirds of the facilities tested violated at least one safety hazard of the study. In 1997, nearly 31,000 children under the age of four were admitted to U.S.hospital emergency rooms for injuries resulting from accidents at schools and child care environments. By following just a few precautions, every parent can do their part to see that their child never become this type of statistic.

Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what’s important about Day Care.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

How to Find Child Day Care in Phoenix, Arizona

Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

If you don’t have accurate details regarding Day Care, then you might make a bad choice on the subject. Don’t let that happen: keep reading.

Phoenix offers a wide variety of day care options to its residents, allowing them to choose between either an institutional facility or an in-home one; parents of preschoolers can choose to place their child in either a “traditional” preschool or enroll them in a Montessori school. Those who desire one-on-one care for their child may choose to hire either a nanny or an au pair, either privately or through an agency.

Selecting which of these choices is the right one for an individual is a difficult task at best, and choosing an individual caregiver harder still. There are many resources that can help parents with this. Word of mouth is a wonderful endorsement. Parents know best what parents like, and the opinions of other families can help offer direction if taken with a grain of salt. Bear in mind that if one parent likes a caregiver and another does not, it is possible they each seek different qualities from a day care environment; however, if several sources have expressed dissatisfaction with a specific facility there may be a problem.

Any Phoenix Department of Social Services can provide a list of licensed day care providers, as well as preschools and before and after school care in the area. A licensed day care is one that has met state requirements for operation, and is required to provide at least a minimum level of care to maintain its license. For parents of preschoolers, Social Services and the area Health Department can also provide information and applications for the local Head Start programs, if available.

Local pediatricians can also be a fount of information when it comes to finding day care in Phoenix due to the volume of patients they see-Moms love to talk! It’s fairly likely that any physician who has been in the area for any length of time will be able to recommend a reputable day care. A pediatrician who is familiar with a child’s history and temperament may also be able to assist you in deciding whether the child would be better placed in a group setting or with one-on-one care, as with a nanny or au pair.

If no results are yielded after following these methods, a phone book or newspaper classified ad will provide a list of providers and numbers; however, as little else is provided with these ads, it is always advisable to plan on visiting a day care before deciding if it is the right one. You should also prepare a list of questions pertaining to policies such as payment, drop off/pick up times, emergency procedures, staff experience and training, and any other issues you are concerned about prior to contacting the provider. This way all vital pieces of information are exchanged prior to the child ever setting foot in the facility, and both parent and educator know in advance responsibilities and expectations, reducing the chance of misunderstanding farther down the road. Do not be afraid to request to set up an interview or sit in on a class; this is an excellent chance to view their day-to-day routine before signing on the bottom line.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

How to Turn Your Home Into a Daycare

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Day Care in the following paragraphs. If there’s at least one fact you didn’t know before, imagine the difference it might make.

Now that we’ve covered those aspects of Day Care, let’s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.

Caring for children in your home can be a wonderful experience, allowing those with a genuine love of children to make a living doing something they enjoy. Turning your home into a daycare, however, can be a tricky process. Several steps need to be taken before you can successfully open your doors to the world.

First and foremost, decide how many children you wish to care for and find out whether you need to become licensed or not. Most states do not require licensure for in-home care of small groups of children, but if you wish to have more than three or four it will probably be necessary. This can be done by contacting your area Office of Child Care Licensing. Whether you decide to become licensed or not, it is a good idea to complete a course in pediatric first aid and CPR-this way you will be prepared for emergencies that come along.

Then examine your home. Is it childproofed? If you are planning on accommodating small children, and if you’re planning on making daycare a full time profession you probably are, your will need to take appropriate measures to ensure that your home is safe. Childproofing supplies are available at many local stores. Outlet covers in the wall, child proof latches on doors and cupboards and appropriate safety gates on stairways are a good place to start (when buying a gate for a stairwell ensure it is the kind that can be anchored to the wall-children may push over a pressure gate). You may also want to consider a safety latch for the toilet-very small children can fall into a toilet and not be able to get themselves out.

Next, you want to purchase your supplies. Necessary daycare supplies range from outdoor playground equipment and an assortment of toys to high chairs, booster seats, cribs, extra sippy cups and plastic flatware. If you have completed the licensing process you will have already obtained a list of these items. Ensure that all equipment meets current safety standards, and no toys have been recalled. It also is a good idea to stock up on basic art supplies, such as crayons, watercolors, child safety scissors and coloring books.

Don’t forget your first aid supplies! You are going to want to have on hand a full first aid kit, with plenty of disinfectant, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, burn spray, calamine lotion, sunblock and lotion (for the eventuality the sunblock does not work). It is often beneficial to have Children’s Ibuprofen and Tylenol on hand, but bear in mind this should not be administered without a parent’s approval.

You can choose to advertise your new business by word of mouth, classified ads, fliers-the possibilities are endless. Be sure to have an interview sheet made up when meeting a new child. This should contain questions on emergency contacts, allergies (food, drug and other), past daycare history, any favorite objects/hobbies and any dislikes, as well as any other information you would like to have on hand. Be sure when meeting the parents that you establish your policies on pick up and drop off times, payment, and what supplies you will provide versus what you would like them to provide It may be a good idea to have these policies printed and signed to avoid disputes down the road. Once these steps have all been completed, sit back, relax, and enjoy the new career you’ve chosen.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Finding a Five Star Daycare Provider

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Years ago, simply asking a friend who ?sat? for them was as easy as picking up the phone. Or you might find an advertisement in the local newspaper. But with daycare centers springing up like daisies, the choices are far and wide. But finding the right day care provider to suit you need not be an insurmountable task. References from friends are still a great way to locate one that has been proven to be reputable. The internet is also a great resource, there are web sites posted by entrepreneurial daycare providers which will have information on their qualifications and licensing, etc. Local newspaper classifieds will have ads run by smaller family type childcare providers, and your local chapter of CCR&R (Child Care Resource and Referral) is a free service that provides counselors you can speak with who will assist you in locating a childcare provider, based on your zip code.

After you determine what type of daycare you need, be it in-home, drop-in or full time daycare center supervision, there are several guidelines to follow. A checklist should include the following information, as well as obtaining references and visiting the facility.

Does the provider or center have enough supervision; are the children supervised even when they are sleeping How many caregivers are there at all times (For babies, there should ideally be a two to one ratio.) Are the providers trained in first aid and rescue breathing Are the children within a caregiver’s sight when they are with another caregiver Have the caregivers had background checks

Is the director and teachers qualified to run a daycare facility with bachelor’s degrees in a child related field Has the staff worked in child care for at least one year (for teachers) or longer (two years for directors) Is the licensing up to date Does the staff show a genuine love for children or is this just a job

Most of this information comes straight from the Day Care pros. Careful reading to the end virtually guarantees that you’ll know what they know.

Is there a common bathroom available for older children to use to wash their hands, before and after toileting and before meals Are the diapering areas clean and the diapers disposed of in a proper manner Are the other children kept up to date on their immunizations and are these records available as proof Are toxic materials locked away and poison information posted Are medications kept safely out of reach of children

There should be an emergency plan in place if a child gets hurt or lost; is there a first aid kit on the premises Do they practice fire drills and is there a program in place for disasters such as earthquake and tornado

Lastly, are the playgrounds and play areas kept clean and in good repair Is the sandbox clean, the playground surrounded by a fence Are the toys age-appropriate

This list may seem excessive at first, but a visit to the daycare center or family home can give you a quick overview of the surroundings, and the general questions you would ask would not make you the first parent to inquire of such. A concerned parent does whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and well being of their child, even if it means giving the daycare provider what seems like the third degree.

Those who only know one or two facts about Day Care can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

How To Prepare Your Child For Daycare

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

The transition from staying home to entering a full time day care can be a difficult one for many children. There are many things parents can do to make this easier, and to ensure a good day care experience.

The most important factor for any child is to choose the right daycare provider. If at all possible, it may be easiest to place the child with someone they are already familiar with, either a family member or friend. As this is not always an option, many resources are available for selecting a caregiver. Word of mouth from any friends with children will go a long way towards steering you to a good day care. This way experiences can be relayed, either good or bad, and eccentricities discussed. Bear in mind that a provider who is wonderful for one child may not be for another because of differing personalities; however, if several parents have criticized a source, a genuine problem may be present and that person might be one to steer clear of.

If word of mouth does not direct you to a good caregiver, the Department of Social Services can provide you with a list of licensed day care providers in your area. Your pediatrician may also be able to give you a recommendation; many doctors get to know their patients fairly well, particularly with children. If all else fails, a phone book or newspaper classifieds can provide listings for child care professionals.

Once you have chosen a provider, take your child to meet them. Most providers will wish to meet with you prior to the child being enrolled. Take your child with you to this meeting if possible. This will give them a chance to look around their new environment and meet the person or people who will be caring for them.

If your child has a comfort object and it is permitted, allow them to take that object to daycare. Most children become homesick for the first couple of weeks, and this will give them a piece of home to hold on to. Giving them a picture of you and other immediate family members to look at when they become lonely may help as well, but make that decision based on your child; it may make the situation worse. If at all possible, try to stay for a little while in the mornings to help them settle into an activity. This will make the transition easier. If you can, tell your child exactly what time you will pick them up-and make sure you are there. Like knowing what time your workday will end, daycare will be easier if your child knows exactly what time they will see you again. This gives them a sense of security.

The most important thing you can do for your child is to send them off in a positive manner. If you are upset over your separation, they will be to, whereas if you seem confident that all will be well and you will see them at the end of the day they will pick up on that attitude. Remember, it is not uncommon for your child to cry when you leave them. Most children settle in within fifteen minutes of seeing their parents leave. Simply say good-bye and walk out the door-you’ll be able to give them hugs and kisses for being so brave when you come back.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, proud owner of this top ranked web hosting reseller site: GVO

Day Care 101 What is Day Care

Friday, January 7th, 2011

Day care has come a long way since the temporary babysitting jobs of the 60′s and 70′s that paid fifty cents an hour for one child, maybe a quarter more an hour for two children. Neighboring teens made good babysitter candidates, as did children of friends or older family members. All that was required of the babysitter was to fix a dinner plate for the child, clean up afterwards and play with the child before tucking them into bed. Most of the sitting was done on Friday or Saturday nights allowing the parents to enjoy a night out. Today, day care means a whole lot more.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the last 10 years almost 65 percent of women with children six years old or younger were working outside the home. Especially in a single parent household, it is essential to have access to day care, if other alternatives such as relatives or grandparents, are not available. In a family where both the husband and wife work full time jobs, ongoing day care is sometimes the only choice.

There are several options available today. More corporate employers are adding on-site day care facilities, in-home providers are available, and full or part time day care centers are located in nearly every city large or small. Some centers only accept children ages birth to toddler, while others welcome children of any age. There is a growing trend toward ?drop-in? child care, with facilities offering affordable short-term, high-quality care. Schools, gyms, rec centers and even churches are jumping on the child care bandwagon by offering such events as Parent Nights Out. Some communities are organizing child care co-ops. Nannies, also known as a child’s nurse are also an alternative, however, a more costly one as it involves full-time in-home care by a person who may or may not reside on the property.

If you base what you do on inaccurate information, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the consequences. Make sure you get the whole Day Care story from informed sources.

Nannies can be male or female; however mannys are becoming popular. Families can choose the care that fits their changing needs a nanny for the newborn, drop-in care for the toddler, and an environment rich day care for preschoolers. Summer needs may differ from those during the school year and parents may switch programs to accommodate those needs.

Day care centers that are evolving into highly structured learning centers now offer a wider range of activities. Still available are simple arts and crafts projects, but the addition of early learning programs has been attributed to research showing a response to academics at an earlier age. Parents want their children to start developing skills that previously were not taught until much later. Add-on extracurricular activities such as gymnastics, ballet and martial arts are offered for an additional fee. The instructor comes to the center on a weekly basis providing on-site instruction, and this is especially beneficial to those parents who are short on time and cannot accommodate weekly lessons. Keeping parents up-to-date on the schedules and events was done by a simple newsletter; today many providers have websites which even include the weekly menus. You can also request an update on your child’s conduct, which is in turn emailed to you.

Communication between the provider and the parent is important, but early morning goodbyes can be difficult for younger children and keeping it short and sweet encourages a better day for both child and provider.

Is there really any information about Day Care that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO

Effects of Daycare on Children

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

This article explains a few things about Day Care, and if you’re interested, then this is worth reading, because you can never tell what you don’t know.

The best time to learn about Day Care is before you’re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Day Care experience while it’s still free.

Ever since women entered the workforce, the great daycare debate has raged on. Parents, scholars and politicians have argued the pros and cons of external childcare facilities until families are absolutely certain placing their child in day care results in either an infant prodigy or a teenage delinquent.

As with any issue, the truth has been found to be somewhere in between. Day care can be a tremendous opportunity for a young child to learn social skills, expand their vocabulary and learn to function as an individual away from their parents; constant interaction with their peers allows them to develop a respect for the opinions and emotions of others, learn the value of teamwork, and to form friendships that will often carry into their school years. They are also given an opportunity to learn basic academic skills at an earlier age, and adapt to the more rigid structure of a classroom environment prior to entering Kindergarten, easing what is often a difficult transition for children who are kept at home in their preschool years.

On the flip side of the coin, not all day care providers are able to give the high quality of attention and education necessary for growth and adjustment. This is often due to an inadequate amount of staff for the number of children a facility cares for. Many times by the time a child reaches preschool age there is only one teacher responsible for up to fifteen students, if not more (licensing guidelines state that there should be no more than fifteen students per teacher at the four and five year old level; however, a fluctuating population of drop-in students may cause this number to be nothing more than a myth). The results of a long term study done by the National Institute of Health showed that those children who spent a great amount of time in a lower quality daycare displayed more instances of aggressive behavior and demands for constant, individual attention, a trend that continued through the sixth grade. This behavior may stem from the need to compete for attention from a very young age, and is displayed in children of large families as well. Those children who are quiet and well behaved are set to the side while the teachers struggle to deal with the children who are not so self sufficient; is it any wonder, then, that this often results in these children learning to emulate the less than savory behavior of their peers, whom they see receiving the individual attention they crave?

The key to a positive day care experience is to carefully screen any day care before a child is enrolled. The school should have a low staff to child ratio, with one adult to every two or three children at the infant level, gradually rising as the child increases in age but still sufficient for individual attention. The teachers should display a genuine love for the children, with experience and training in child development and psychology, allowing them to quickly detect a problem with a student before it becomes uncontrollable. Parents should remain in contact with the child’s teacher, receiving progress reports and observing classroom behavior on a regular basis. Any instance in which a parent is deliberately left “out of the loop” in their child’s education, even at this early stage, is cause for concern, and should be considered an immediate warning sign that all is not as it should be. In this case knowledge is power, and allows a child to quickly be removed from an unsuitable situation before damage is done that is irreversible.

About the Author
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his top ranked GVO affiliate site: GVO


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