There are many things to weigh up when looking at childcare environments for your child. Visiting a centre helps give you get a feel for the place, develop a rapport with staff, and see if your child likes the environment. You may also be swayed by how convenient it is to your home or place of work.
There are however, key criteria that you should consider when assessing the suitability of an Ipswich childcare centre for your child. IGS Early Learners Centre Director, Tammy Lamont, said, “Everyone’s quality judgement is different depending on one’s culture, values and beliefs.”
A Child’s Perspective
Children typically value an early learning environment when they feel accepted and included–connected to people-no matter their background or ability. This often shows in their having friendships, fun and being stimulated in engaging activities and programs. It may also mean that they are emotionally and physically comfortable in the environment they attend.
A Parent’s Perspective
For most parents, their child being settled in care is paramount. Because of this, parents often determine the quality of care based on the health, safety and happiness of their child first and foremost. Usually convenience, accessibility and affordability are secondary factors.
‘According to Tammy, perceived quality for some parents may mean school-readiness programs across numeracy, literacy and socialisation or a more inclusive and global type program where all cultures and all children are respected and valued. “For some, it may mean more learning opportunities about a wide variety of things,” she said.
Overall elements of Quality
Broadly speaking a quality early learning environment should offer the following elements:
- A safe environment that promotes good health and hygiene practices
- Good nutrition through a balanced diet
- Well maintained indoor and outdoor facility with well-maintained resources
- The appropriate number of staff to child ratio–with staff who are sensitive and responsive to children
- Active play–especially outdoors with different environments (sand, water, climbing etc.)
- Quiet play and rest times/zones
- Promotion of the development of motor, social, language and cognitive skills through play
- Ability for children to establish positive relationships with adults
- Practices that support collaboration and friendship amongst children
- Facilitation of emotional growth and development
- A strong parent engagement and communication platform
- Respect for diversity and difference, gender equality and inclusion of children with disabilities
As well, high quality early learning should have:
- Broad learning and development goals for children, going beyond early literacy and numeracy to social, emotional, cultural, artistic and physical goals
- A philosophy that promotes children having fun and being themselves–where they can learn through play and experience a wide range of artistic, cultural, cognitive, social and physical activities.
