Deciding on childcare

Toddlers are very busy developing new skills. They are learning to use their bodies – running and jumping as well as practising and developing fine motor skills. They need time to rest quietly and relax. They are learning to talk about their thoughts and feelings so they’re interested in people and what they do. They are testing the limits of their world and learning rules.

Children at this stage need a safe space to run around and safe equipment to climb and play with. They enjoy toys that let them develop their dexterity – for example, threading beads, holding and using crayons. Toddlers will be better able to co-operate and learn to share if they have plenty of space and enough toys so that they do not have to wait too long for their turn. Carers should help them to negotiate for what they want. A quiet space to rest will help toddlers recharge their batteries. For good language development, children need adults who listen to them and don’t just tell them what to do. It is vital that carers can communicate effectively with children, preferably in the child’s first language. Learning to be independent means toddlers need clear limits in a safe physical environment. Carers need to set firm, clear boundaries for behaviour and they need to be able to contain children’s feelings of distress, anger and frustration without becoming upset themselves.

Pre-school children

At this age children tend to concentrate on experimenting and trying out new skills. They are developing social skills like sharing and negotiating and they are learning about roles and values. They explore the world and they try to develop a sense of control over parts of their lives.

Look for childcare that will encourage children to play with new toys and materials so they can experiment. Carers who help children to feel special and successful are what you need. Childcarers should have a range of toys that will stimulate a child so she can extend her skills and succeed. Children of this age thrive on new experiences. They also need to experiment physically and should be able to play outdoors most days. They often enjoy going on trips to local places and playing with exciting materials, meeting other children and learning to play co-operatively.

Remember your child will be learning about what boys and girls can do from the carer and will pick up all sorts of values and ideas from them. So check that you agree on basic issues like gender roles and the values attached to race and cultural identity. You need to feel confident your child and the other children are all treated as individuals and respected for who they are.