Quality day care programs provide a safe, stimulating environment for children while parents work or attend school. Although parents are the primary caregivers, often children spend a large portion of their waking hours with child care providers. Day care programs that encourage positive social interactions, provide a variety of toys and activities, and make reading and positive language communications a priority promote healthy child development
Identification
Healthy child development refers to the timely practice or mastery of age-appropriate social, cognitive and physical skills. Developmental delays potentially lead to behavioral, learning, speech and language problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A child's early experiences play a significant role in his or her development. To support healthy child development, the home and the child care environment should provide safe, positive experiences, according to MedlinePlus website.
Expert Insight
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development initiated the 15-year Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development in 1991. The study measured cognitive and language development, social behavior, emotional development, relationship with parents and the health, and physical growth of children in different non-maternal child care environments. The study found that higher quality child care led to better language, cognitive and social development than lower quality care. According to the study, family and parent characteristics affect child development more strongly than any aspect of child care.
Significance
Because the quality of child care impacts child development, seek out programs that meet professional standards for licensing and/or accreditation. Look for adult to child ratios of 1-to-4 for infants, 1-to-6 for mixed age groups and 1-10 for preschoolers. Other indicators of a quality program include ongoing caregiver training, low turnover rates and smaller group sizes, according to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies. To make an informed decision, visit each child care program you're considering for at least an hour, and observe interactions between caregivers and children.
Features
Child care programs that allow children access to a variety of materials promote healthy child development. Puzzles, art materials, and stacking, grasping and sorting toys help children develop fine motor skills. Climbers, slides and swings promote gross motor development, as do running, tumbling and dancing. Access to books and story time, positive language interactions and involved caregivers help children develop timely language and social skill. A quality program allows for structured and free time, and incorporates outdoor and indoor play time.
Considerations
The causes of developmental delays could be health related, genetic or environmental. If you suspect a delay in your child's social, emotional, language or physical development, schedule an appointment with his pediatrician. If your child experiences delayed development, a pediatrician can suggest developmental activities, or in some cases recommend a specialist or an intervention program.
