Childcare and Pre-School
Choosing a child care or preschool program for your child is a very important decision. Whether the arrangement you choose is centre based or home based, good quality child care which meets your child's needs and your expectations will have the following characteristics:
- warm, friendly, patient, capable caregivers who are trained in child development, first aid and CPR
- stable, committed experienced caregivers (low turnover rate)
- a variety of activities which are enjoyable and support healthy development
- daily routines which are predictable but flexible
- relaxed, caring and stimulating environment
- written program policies and plans
- a variety of toys, equipment and learning materials at the child's level
- space for active and quiet activities, indoor and outdoor play, and rest
- nutritious meals and snacks
- cultural sensitivity
- regular communication between parent and caregiver
- compatible child rearing philosophy and goals
- mutual respect and trust
- access to community resources and supports
Taken from the Coordinated Access for Child Care website
The quality of any child care arrangement is dependent on the quality and quantity of the child’s interactions with her/his caregivers. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood programs develop better language and early literacy skills than those without such child care experiences. A quality child care experience is one in which children experience sensitive, supportive and stimulating interactions with their teachers, positive interactions with other children and interesting and challenging play experiences
A key factor in the quality of a child care or early education setting is the training of the teachers. Educators’ level of formal schooling has been significantly and positively associated with their sensitivity and responsiveness to children. Studies have shown that specialized professional development can increase educator-child interaction and responsiveness, which is known to promote children’s language, social and literacy development.
Learning Language and Loving It™, an intensive in-service education program for early childhood educators, developed by The Hanen Centre, provides this kind of specialized training. Many early childhood educators have participated in the Learning Language and Loving It Program or use its books and videos.