When starting a family, a major concern for most parents is childcare options. As a parent, you want to do what is best for your child. You want to foster their early education, but you also want to keep them safe. At Creative Learning Academy in Tampa, they are dedicated to focusing on the needs of the individual child by providing secure and nurturing child care services. Choosing the right daycare is a high priority for most families, but also the question arises of when should you put your child in daycare? Creative Learning Academy urges parents to check out these questions to see if daycare is the right fit for you and your child.
How Early Can You Send Your Child To Daycare?
When to start your child in daycare is a very personal decision that involves parent financial obligations, working hours of the parents, other childcare options, and even the overall development of your child. While some daycare centers allow children to enroll as early as six weeks, waiting until your child is closer to twelve months is suggested to be better, as it allows your child to develop a secure attachment, heal its umbilical cord, and for you to adjust to your new life as parents. Creative Learning Academy provides a variety of programs for ages 12 months through school age to foster early childhood development.
How Independent Is Your Child?
One sign to look for when deciding to enroll your child at a daycare center is your child’s level of independence. While most children are not avid talkers by age one, you can look for other factors to distinguish their independence:
- Can your child walk on their own?
- Is your child able to play and interact with other children without constant supervision?
- Is your child attempting to communicate with words rather than cries?
- Does your child express themselves through play?
These are just a few ways independence is observed in a small child. Trust your gut when determining if they are ready for daycare.
Can They Adjust To A Routine?
The younger your child is, the more likely their sense of object permanence is not well established. Babies tend to eat, sleep and play with no concept of time. While they may not have a concept of a schedule, babies and younger children do form attachments, and a huge one is with you! Without a concept of object permanence, a younger child can be stressed out. For example, when their favorite blanket is removed for washing or when they walk out of a room, they think this loss is permanent. Incorporating a routine into your child’s life can help reduce anxiety and stress. Small things like eating dinner at the same time or even a bedtime routine can help establish a routine and lead towards being comforting for the child.
Have They Stayed Away From Home Before?
If your child has not stayed away from you or your home before for an extended period, like for the day or even overnight, this can cause a lot of anxiety for your child. At the Creative Learning Academy, our goal is to be an extension of your child’s family. A friendly, loving face can provide the child with comfort to reach his or her full potential.
Deciding when to enroll your child at a daycare center is a huge decision. You know your child better than anyone else. Creative Learning Academy is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to working with you and helping your little one grow. Enroll today to start learning!