Positive Effects of Daycare on Children

More women than ever are returning to full-time work and must entrust their children to daycare. Choosing a good babysitter or daycare center is of paramount importance for your child. Many parents fear daycare will have adverse effects on their child, but there are many positive aspects to consider.

  1. Vocabulary

    • According to the National Institutes of Health, "children who received higher quality child care before entering kindergarten had better vocabulary scores in the fifth grade than did children who received lower quality care." The study found that the vocabulary scores continued to improve no matter how much time the child spent in daycare. Daycare centers and babysitters were part of the study, as well as care from grandparents, fathers and other relatives. The study suggests that as a child engages more with adults, their vocabulary will increase.

    Social Skills

    • Kathleen Alfano, Ph.D., says that a child is "gaining social skills when she interacts with other children in her daycare center and in her neighborhood." A child without siblings who goes to a daycare center or to a babysitter who cares for more than one child benefits by learning to share, help others and be kind. Social skills and tolerance are especially fostered by meeting and playing with children from different backgrounds.

    Learning

    • A child benefits from a high quality care provider who engages them in activities such as singing, dancing, crafts, counting and storytelling. BabyCenter reports that many parents have found their children learn more from this kind of structured playtime than if left on their own.

    Qualified Caregivers

    • Daycare center staff members are usually trained in early childhood education and will notice if your child needs help developmentally, emotionally or physically. These caregivers provide safe, quality care for your child and will consult you if they experience any problems with discipline or behavior.

    Environment

    • Daycare centers and home daycare provide a safe, clean, nurturing environment. Many daycare centers are furnished and staffed to feel like home. Quality facilities provide at least one caregiver for every four children or one for three babies. Choosing a daycare or a provider that is licensed and regulated by your local government will ensure that your child is well cared for.

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    • Daycare Center Hiring Policies
      The demand for quality daycare centers is increasing as the number of families needing these services is on the rise. Daycare providers offer services in a variety of settings, such as daycare facilities, community centers, religious organizations an
    • Supplies for Parents to Bring to Daycare
      According to a 2006 survey by the U.S. Census Bureau, about 11.2 million children younger than 5 are in child care arrangements. Most day cares provide some supplies and food for the children they care for, but parents need to provide items, too.
    • How to Interview a Potential Babysitter
      In all likelihood, your new babysitters going to spend her time on the job making snacks, playing games and making your kids laugh -- but you cant hire a sitter just because shes a hit with the little ones. Anyone you trust to care for your children