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Child care: how good care helps kids

By Raising Children Network
 
 

There’s plenty of debate about whether child care is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for children. Research now tells us that the quality of care is what matters.

Some important facts

Waving goodbye to your child for the first time can be a difficult thing to do, even when you know that research shows that good-quality child care can have benefits for children. Many parents can feel anxious or guilty to begin with.

Research has found that high-quality child care can be good for your child in several ways. It can enhance your child’s development, improve language and encourage social skills.

According to research, the secret is to concentrate on the quality of care that you choose for your child, and how well this type of care fits in with your family values and interests.

Child care regulation

All formal child care systems are covered by state and territory regulations on:

  • group sizes for various ages
  • child-to-staff ratios
  • staff qualifications
  • health and safety.

This makes sure that children in care have stimulating, positive experiences and interactions to help them develop. For parents to claim Child Care Benefit (CCB), the centre must register with the National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC) and meet the council’s requirements.

Other benefits

Good-quality child care can have some developmental benefits for your child. There are also some other benefits that you might not have thought of.

For example, child care professionals are trained to deliver early child education programs and are familiar with early development issues. Their experienced eyes might pick up any potential developmental problems your child has.

Parenting can be a tough job. Sometimes another point of view or opinion from a qualified person can be a real bonus. This is one of the benefits that child care can offer – another person gets to know your child well and takes an interest in your child’s wellbeing.

Video: How child care, playgroups and preschool help kids

Download Video  22mb

Starting child care can be a big and challenging step – for you and your child. But good-quality child care has lots of benefits for kids, as this video explains.

Along with playgroups and preschool, child care can be a great way for children to learn important social skills. These include communicating, sharing, taking turns, and being able to relate to grown-ups other than mum and dad. Child care can also help kids learn to be a bit more independent.

And child care gives you the chance to do things you need to do – whether that’s working or just taking some time for yourself.

 
 
 
 
  • Last updated03-05-2011
  • Last reviewed08-05-2006