What’s The Best Age to Start Childcare?

When sending their little ones to childcare, many families often consider what the minimum age for childcare is. At any age, choosing to send your little one to childcare, and leaving them with others outside the family unit for long periods of time, can be a big step to take.

Let’s have a look at some of the factors you need to consider when making this decision.

Is there a minimum age for childcare in Australia?

If you’re considering whether it’s time for your little ones to start childcare, the good news is that there is no minimum age for formal childcare in Australia. As such, this means families can decide when childcare is required for their little one based on their child’s needs and the circumstances of the family.

However, age alone should not be the deciding factor. What is important is that the childcare centre meets the specific needs of your little one, as well as the development and learning needs of their age.

How to decide if it’s the right time to start childcare?

Now we know there is no minimum age for when your child can start childcare, the decision is up to you, the family, to decide.

We know this is not always easy, but fortunately, childcare in Australia is highly regulated, with comprehensive childcare frameworks in place, with each centre having to meet approval requirements for them. Such frameworks can help guide your decision.

Of course, families may send their children for a variety of reasons and only they can decide which is more important to them. At Grace Village, our educators recommend parents and families consider several factors when deciding the right time to start their child in childcare

• The family’s work situation – having to return to work may speed up your decision to start your child at childcare.
• Your child’s readiness – if they can express themselves physically such as saying a few words or are learning to play with others.
• How long they will spend in daycare – long periods of separation can affect your little one, so emotional maturity and introducing your little one slowly to childcare will help overcome this.
• The type of daycare – with many different types of childcare available, such as state-licensed childcare centres or local family daycare, it’s best to choose the one that meets the needs of your child and family.
• The educator-to-child ratio – there are minimum child-to-educator ratio requirements, which take into account each educator’s qualification(s). These ratios help to ensure your little one gets the support, care and supervision they need for their stage of development. For example, here at Grace Village, for our babies and children under 2, the educator-to-child ratio is 1:4, while our toddler room has an educator-to-child ratio of 1:5.

What’s the best age to start childcare?

As there is no minimum age to start childcare in Australia, your little one can start childcare at any age. However, exploring your child’s needs at specific age brackets will help you to understand the specific considerations and learning they will require from their care.

0-18 Months

Babies in this age group are dependent on others to provide for all their needs. They require regular one-on-one care and attention. Separation anxiety usually peaks at 9 months of age.

Experts say that 12 months of age is a good time for a baby to start childcare, but your baby’s temperament and your family’s needs will play a part in this decision.

Grace Village recommends choosing a childcare centre that provides a low educator-to-baby ratio that will help your baby settle and feel their needs are being met. Childcare that is caring and has specific learning programs developed for babies will help your little one to engage and begin their journey of a love of learning.

18-48 Months

Toddlers are learning independence by doing (and trying!) to do things by themselves. They use their whole bodies in large muscle activities, to help them develop their confidence and individuality in learning.

Their learning is centred around their name, as this teaches them ownership and where things belong. They begin to explore the control of their hands, fingers, toes and tools such as pencils and paint brushes, as they learn to understand the direction of writing.

Playing with sounds, rhythm and rhyme encourages communication by asking questions, using language, and discovering new things. Numbers also play a big part to help your toddler to understand differences, scale, age and volume in real-world terms.

Choose a childcare centre that uses play-based learning to ensure your child can develop their independence and build on their confidence as they grow and develop.

3-5 Years

Preschoolers are amazing! Their imaginations have taken off, they are becoming more self-assured with their bodies and in their interactions with others. Their play is becoming more complex as they start to communicate their own ideas, and experiment with their creations and innovations.

Literacy and numeracy are becoming clearer. They start to form letters and their numeracy skills are expanded to include size, measurement and weight. They are starting to ask questions to broaden their learning.

Grace Village recommends you choose a childcare centre that uses play-based learning with open end resources in a child-led project approach. A centre where your little one is encouraged to communicate and cooperate with others, to discuss, make decisions and choices through activities.

Is there a worst age to start childcare?

There is lots of research suggesting the worst time is their first year because babies require a lot of care and attention for their developing brains.

Choosing to send your little one to childcare is a big responsibility for any parent. Different families have different needs and circumstances, so what is important when choosing a childcare centre is that the care meets the individual needs of your little one for their stage of development.

Also, preparing your little one for childcare is critical to them settling in well and their development and learning. Giving them the attention and time to adjust to the new routine will go a long way.

What happens if you start childcare too early?

With no minimum age to start childcare, it is important that you and the centre spend time preparing your little one for their childcare experience. If your little one is not coping with their childcare, they may be exhibiting some signs such as:

• Disrupted attachment – shown as the need to seek contact and closeness with an attachment figure such as a parent or close family member.
• Higher stress and anxiety levels – usually reflected in changes in sleeping, eating habits and crying or tantrums.
• Behavioural problems – such as fussiness, refusing to follow instructions, biting or kicking others, and inappropriate outbursts.

At Grace Village, we spend a lot of time and effort preparing your little one before their first day at childcare.

We set up several short centre visits with your little one and recommend play dates with other children. By the time they start their first full day, they are accustomed to the centre and where their belongings are, they have made a few friends and are familiar with their educators.

How to prepare for the transition to childcare

The success of the transition to childcare is what takes place prior to your little one’s first day.
Preparation is key to ensuring your little one settles in quickly, enjoys childcare, and gets the most out of it – learning, playing, socialising and experiencing new things.
Prior to your little ones’ first day

• Familiarise them with the childcare centre, walk around and show them where they will eat, the toilets, and all the play areas.
• Set up routines at home that are similar to the childcare centre
• Leave your child with family and friends, so they understand that you will be coming back for them
• Talk to your little one about childcare and all the fun activities they can expect
• Be confident in your decision

Read more starting childcare tips here to learn about the importance of preparing your child for childcare for a smooth and relaxing changeover.

Conclusion

Some little ones are quick to adjust, and some are a little slower and require more help from their childcare.

Regardless of the age, when you are sending your little one to Grace Village, our educators are trained and experienced to ensure they settle in quickly, love their days, and above all, thrive! ❤