Shropshire Woman

Choosing the appropriate Child Care for your infant or young child can be a minefield and present as much of a challenge to parents as helping a teenager select a college or university.

There are wide-ranging facilities throughout Shropshire giving a number of choices for the selection of the perfect environment for your child’s early years’ care.

Firstly, and most importantly, your key concern will be to ensure that your offspring are safe and happy in a child care environment that is fun, educational, and nurturing.

Either out of necessity as mothers return to the work place, or as part of their children’s early education, a huge number of parents regularly place their young children in some type of daily care. Whether you choose to have nanny in your own home, a childminder or a pre-school environment for your child, there are specific guidelines you should follow to ensure your little one is receiving quality, professional care which is tailored to their developmental needs and personality.

Which setting?

Care for preschoolers comes in all kinds of settings and sizes. Traditionally, ‘preschool’ has always referred to a part-time programme for three to four year olds, preparing the little ones for their life in full-time education. But quality learning can take place in many different settings.

What setting is best for my child?

The various options for preschoolaged children can be confusing.
Whatever you opt for it is important that you keep in mind that the quality of your child’s educational experience will depend, most of all, on the people working with him or her.

High energy children need lots of space to run around, climb, swing or ride bicycles

If the adults caring for the children are warm, caring, and nurturing, if they know about the ages and stages of child development, if they interact well with the children, if they show ‘generosity of spirit’ and if you connect with them – then your
child is certain to thrive and learn.

Children are all different. What is the best ‘fit’ for one child may not be the ideal choice for another. You must let your child’s interests and needs be your guide in choosing a preschool setting. High energy children need lots of space to run around, climb, swing or ride bicycles.

They tend to thrive in mixed-age groups which allow them to play with older children who match their physical energy and skill. A large nursery or playgroup, with lots of outdoor space, may well be the ideal setting. On the other hand, a shy, sensitive child might thrive better in a playgroup, or with a child minder where it’s easier to bond with one or two adults and where they can find a quiet spot to read, work on projects and relax.
Visiting all the possibilities and getting to know the caregivers who will be looking after your child is the best way to see how a particular situation might work.

know your own child, his temperament, likes and dislikes, health, interests, and behaviour

One of the most important factors in determining the type of care you choose is to know your own child, his temperament, likes and dislikes, health, interests, and behaviour.

For an infant under one year, you should pay careful attention to his need to be nurtured and held, any special health needs, and the type of person you want to care for him during this important stage in his life. For an older child, his developing play
and learning styles, interaction with other children, intellectual curiosity, and need for individualised attention should always be considered.

by the age of three or four, it is good for the child to have some exposure to their peers

A family’s own values and emotional needs will also help to determine the kind of care they select for their child. Choosing the right care depends on the family’s comfort level and their type of child.Some parents, quite naturally, can be overly anxious about leaving their very young child with just one person, while others prefer individual care. But, certainly, by the age of three or four, it is good for the child to have some exposure to their peers and participate in a structured programme which preschool or nursery provides.

Before choosing a care setting you should be aware of the options available and consider cost, location, and reputation.

If  things go wrong

If your child is not happy and flourishing in child care, you must reassess his needs and re-evaluate his programme or individual caregiver. You have to realise that bad days may happen from time to time but, if problems persist, it is best to make alternative arrangements as soon as possible so that your child has a positive experience which serves to boost his mental, physical and social development, trust in other adults, and sense of self-worth.