The concern about whether day care is harmful or helpful for young children is a reality that most modern parents have to consider. Many parents feel that dual employment is a necessity, making the need for child care a priority, but weak regulations can expose children to child care settings that may not be healthy, safe or developmentally appropriate. Parents must consider many issues before making the choice that best fits their family's needs.
Socialization
For socialization ideals to be realized in day care settings, a low child-to-provider ratio and an environment that is relatively similar to the home environment is necessary. A well-designed child care facility is spacious enough to provide an opportunity to play or rest quietly while providing enough structured time to enhance learning while preventing the child from feeling bored or lonely.
Nutrition
Many day cares participate in USDA food programs that mandate nutritional demands for children. These requirements may help expose children to a variety of foods, but some day cares opt to save money by offering low-quality meals that satisfy regulations without reaching for optimal nutrition. Ask whether whole foods are used daily to ensure that you are choosing a day care that is conscientious about good nutrition.
Size
Larger day care environments may hire several workers to care for children. High turnover rates of large day cares may lead to several changes in care providers over time, which may not be in your child's best interest. Home day cares tend to deliver consistency in teacher care, which may be less stressful for some children. Ask whether your day care is licensed to increase likelihood of staff size accountability.
Effects
Quality day care experiences can offer children from disadvantaged backgrounds a positive environment in which to develop and may serve these particular children better than if they stayed at home all day in an impoverished environment with a stressed parent. For children who have an enriching home life with attentive parents who provide adequate play interactions with other children, day care may not be as helpful.
Health
Children in day care situations statistically suffer more illnesses than children who are not in day care. Ear infections increase by 75 percent in day care environments, and serious health issues for infants, such as RSV and bronchitis, are easily passed around day care environments. Inquire about your care giver's illness policy, and have a back-up plan for work in case of illness so you can participate in helping your day care stay healthy.
Safety
Child care providers are not required in many states to be licensed or have any education about child development, which can lead to inadequate care. Children have been abused and neglected in many day care situations, so be sure to choose a facility that will keep your child safe, nurtured, psychologically stimulated, happy and well nourished.
References
- "The Baby Book"; William and Martha Sears; 2008
- National Association of Childcare Resources and Referral Agencies: Child Care Center and Small Family Child Care Home Standards and Oversight
- "Your Baby and Child"; Penelope Leach; 1997
- "Not Guilty!: The Good News for Working Mothers"; Betty Holcomb; 2000
