Parenting Australia

Choosing the best day-care for you

Special Needs

Does your child have any medical conditions that may need more care than your average day-care can provide? If so you may need to shop around for a day-care qualified to cater to your child’s specific needs. Also think about whether your child is comfortable around large amounts of other children. If not you may look at going to a smaller day-care.

Age

Although many day-care providers take children of all ages, some parents prefer to take their children to a centre specific to the needs of their particular age group. For example a day-care that takes in specifically 2-3 could be more focused on things such as toilet training and social skills.

Budget

What could your family afford to spend on day-care? If your child has special needs or requires one-on-one care perhaps a nanny could be an option for you. If things are tight you may want to consider which provides insurance incase your child is sick and you need to take time off work.

Time

Keep in mind when your child will require care. Will you need part-time or full-time? Mornings or afternoons? Double check with the day-care what hours they can provide care for.

What now? What to do once you’ve decided.

Medical

Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date and you have their records. Some day-care providers require proof that these are up to date. If you are behind on some, get them done ASAP so you don’t get caught out.

Alternatives

Have a back-up plan, just in-case things don’t go to plan. If your work hours vary make sure that the day-care is flexible enough to work in with your hours.

Adjustment

Day-care can be a big new scary place. Check our ‘Dealing with separation anxiety article to help prepare your child for this big change. Get as many things as you can ready as early as possible to avoid the hectic rush the day before the beginning of day-care.

Supplies and Expenses

Most day-cares will provide you with a list of things you will need for the term. Plan early as often many day-cares will have similar requirements and supplies can get scarce. Many centres also offer enrichment activities, for example dance, so if your child is interested, get in early to avoid disappointment.


Most importantly encourage and support your child. Try to sort out their problems and help them with any questions or difficulties they may be having.

Add Comment

Name

Email (will not be published)

Personal Web site/Blog URL

Subject

Comment

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Enter the letters you see in the image.

Click to get a new image.