Raising Children Network: the Australian parenting website
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Child care: how good care helps kids

By Raising Children Network
 
 

For decades there has been debate about whether child care is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ for children. Research now tells us that the quality of care is what matters, not whether children are in child care.

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
  • 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.

All formal child care systems are covered by state and territory regulations for aspects like:

  • group sizes for various ages
  • child-to-staff ratios
  • staff qualification
  • health and safety regulations

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

Child care professionals are trained to deliver early child education programs and are familiar with early development issues. Their experienced eye may 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 their wellbeing.

 
 
 
  • Last updated11-03-2008
  • Last reviewed08-05-2006