When trying to decide between childcare options you may wonder whether daycare is the right fit for your toddler. We’re answering some of the most common questions parents ask about toddlers and daycare, to help make your decision easier.
When are children considered toddlers?
Can toddlers benefit from daycare?
What do toddlers learn in daycare?
How do I know if my child likes daycare?
How to deal with toddler separation anxiety at daycare?
What to do if your child bites
A child is typically considered a toddler after their first birthday or when learning to walk or "toddle." In daycare terms, when a child transitions from the infant room to the toddler room varies from program to program. Generally, a child will make the transition somewhere between 12-18 months. In a home daycare setting, children may all be in one group together or separated into age groups depending on the licensing guidelines for the area.
Toddlers are at the age where they are becoming more independent and starting to assert themselves as individuals (hence the temper tantrums) and benefit from being in a group setting. Childcare providers typically have years of experience working with this particular age group. They have developed strategies for every common issue toddlers face: biting, hitting, tantrums, nap refusals, picky eating, etc. Toddlers also benefit from being around other children. Since they are naturally ego-centric, learning how to take turns and share is a skill that takes children some time to learn-- so the more time they have to practice, the better!
In daycare, toddlers learn how to be part of a group and trust adults other than their parents. They start to develop independence and become more confident in their abilities. Daycare is also an opportunity for toddlers to learn social skills like sharing, communication, and cooperation with the guidance of an experienced provider. Often parents are shocked to hear their child eagerly tries new foods at daycare or sits still to listen to a story-- things they may never do at home. Aside from the social aspect of daycare, children may also learn more concrete pre-academic skills like colors, shapes, and numbers.
Since most early toddlers are not yet able to express themselves verbally, you may wonder, "how do I know if my child even likes being in daycare?" You'll be able to tell whether your child has a positive experience in daycare the same way you know whether they like anything else. If your child seems happy when you pick them up or doesn't want to leave when it is time to go home, you can assume they are enjoying their time there. At first, there may be an adjustment period where your child has a hard time separating from you or may even cry at drop-off- but this doesn't necessarily mean they don't like daycare. Often, after a parent leaves, by the time they get to work and call the provider to check on their child, they're off playing happily and not crying anymore. There is a difference between normal separation anxiety and a child having a negative experience at daycare, and your intuition will be able to tell you whether your child is happy or not.
Separation anxiety can be troubling for children and parents but is typical and often short-lived. Up until they start daycare, you have been your child's whole world, so it's normal for them to be nervous about saying goodbye. Once they learn that you'll always be back to get them, and they settle in and learn to trust their provider and new friends, drop-offs will become easier. There are a few things you can do to help ease the transition into daycare for you and your child:
Although hitting and biting are not behaviors to be taken lightly, they are quite common during toddlerhood. One of the reasons toddlers use their hands or teeth is because they often lack the words to express their feelings. So, they get mad or frustrated and they bite/hit. Daycare providers with lots of toddler experience have definitely dealt with their fair share of biting and hitting and may even be able to help your child move through this phase more quickly.
Entrusting your child to a daycare center is a significant decision for any parent. It involves balancing the benefits of socialization and education with the fears and uncertainties that come with stepping into the unknown. Parents often grapple with a range of concerns, from safety to the quality of care and beyond. In this article, we delve into common fears parents face when considering daycare for their children, offering insights and resources to help ease the transition.
1. Safety Concerns
One of the primary worries for parents is whether the daycare center is safe. Questions about the facility's safety standards, staff qualifications, and emergency preparedness are at the forefront. Parents can research a daycare's history of violations and compliance with safety regulations at Winnie's resource on daycare violations. This transparency is crucial in building trust and ensuring peace of mind.
2. Separation Anxiety
Many parents fear their child will struggle with separation anxiety or not enjoy their time away. It's natural for children to experience some degree of anxiety when adjusting to new environments. Parents can mitigate this by gradually introducing their child to daycare settings and maintaining a positive and reassuring attitude.
3. Understanding the Child
Parents often worry that caregivers might not understand their child's unique needs and personality. While it's true that parents have an intimate knowledge of their child, skilled daycare providers are trained to attune to different children's needs and foster a nurturing environment for all.
4. Undesirable Learning
The concern that children might pick up behaviors or language that parents find undesirable is common. While exposure to diverse behaviors is inevitable, good daycare centers have policies and trained staff to guide children's social interactions and learning in a positive direction.
5. Health and Sickness
The spread of illnesses in daycare settings is a valid concern. Young children are particularly susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections. However, reputable daycares follow strict health and hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of illness.
6. Discipline Methods
Discipline in daycare is another concern. It's essential for parents to understand and agree with the daycare's discipline policy. Open communication with caregivers about disciplinary approaches ensures that methods used are consistent with parental values.
7. Bullying
Bullying is a worry for many parents, particularly as children develop social skills. Resources like Winnie's guide on bullying in preschool provide valuable information on recognizing and addressing early signs of bullying.
8. Attention
Parents often worry whether their child will receive enough attention in a daycare setting. Ensuring that the caregiver-to-child ratio is low and observing how staff interact with children during a visit can help assuage these concerns.
8. Napping
There may be an adjustment period while your child gets used to napping in a new place and may not nap as long as they usually do or may refuse to nap at all. Usually, all the extra stimulation and running around with other kids makes toddlers very tired, so you'd be surprised at how easy it is for them to fall asleep. Many toddlers stop napping at home long before they stop napping at daycare because they're so tired, and it is such a big part of their routine!
You know your child best, and you should trust your gut when it comes to choosing between childcare options. Search for childcare providers and daycares in your area.