You’ve enrolled your kid at a reputable childcare centre, yet you’re starting to doubt that the centre is not suitable after all. Should you change to another childcare centre? It’s natural for small children to have some separation anxiety, but these warning signs could help you make the decision whether your child would learn better and be happier at another centre.
Your little one has been attending childcare for more than six weeks, but they still cry when you leave them there each morning. You understand that they tear up frequently throughout the day, as well.
While it is common for young children to show some degree of separation anxiety, this typically eases within six to eight weeks.
There are no tears when you drop your toddler off, but you’ve noticed that your little one appears rather glazed and lethargic when you pick them up at the end of the day.
They should be enthusiastic and lively and be stimulated by all the activities there. If they are not animated that way, the childcare programme at the centre may not suit them.
You have trouble getting an appointment to chat with staff about your child’s progress. The staff should be accessible at reasonable times so that parents can discuss their concerns – minor or major. After all, if you feel uneasy with the staff, chances are, your child is unlikely to feel comfortable with them, either.
Your child should make them progress this year, in all aspects of their development and growth. You can expect him or her to acquire new skills in language, thinking, coordination, and social situations. If that isn’t happening on a regular basis, the curriculum may not be suitable for their needs.
If you have to wake up ridiculously early to get your child there and rush from work every evening to pick them up in time, this isn’t a practical arrangement. When it’s too disruptive to your routine, this centre might not be right for your family. After all, if you’re tired and flustered from the school run, imagine how your toddler feels?
As you have discovered, quality childcare is expensive. That means the economic value of your work has to be offset against the cost of childcare fees. Some parents find that a particular childcare provider is just not affordable at this stage.
Switching centres is a huge step that will affect everyone in your family, not just your little one. So think carefully before taking such drastic action, even when you see some of the telltale signs above.
Share your concerns with the principal. Arrange for a regular progress update with the teacher in charge of your child. Sometimes, a slight alteration can have a huge positive effect. It’s certainly worth trying to resolve your concerns before concluding that this particular centre isn’t right for you or your kid.
But if the talks and changes don’t produce the desired improvements, or if you simply can’t make any changes at all, then you should probably think about finding an alternative. This time around, however, you’ll know exactly what you are looking for because you have learned so much and you know more about what your child needs.
This article was first published in Young Parents. Updated March 2022