I must point out that I have nothing against children’s nurseries and pre- schools, but because I worked as a registered child minder for many happy years I will always recommend a child minder to parents if asked about day care for their children.
Looking for childcare here
This is why:
Registered child minders usually work in their own homes; so the setting is more like the child’s own home environment. Which is especially an advantage for babies and very young children, in my opinion.
Child minders have a much lower child: adult ratio than larger settings meaning that children get more one to one attention and the carer can really get to know the children: If parents are concerned that their child will think more of the child minder than of them read this.
Child minders can be more flexible on opening times than a nursery, but that doesn’t mean that parents should take advantage and abuse this system more here.
Child minders can look after a wide age range of children together ( larger settings will often have babies in a different part of the building: Meaning that siblings are split up) and I believe that babies can learn so much from older children and vice versa.
Child minders will often offer school drop offs and collection if parents require this service.
Because registered child minders have fewer children to take care of at once they can take them out to toddler groups were they can mix with more children benefits of toddler groups here
I used to take the children to do things like buy a stamp and post a letter teaching life skills, such as how to cross a road safely here on the trip out.
I cared for children from birth to around 10years of age. That meant parents didn’t need to look for alternative care when their children grew and started school; as I took them back during the school holidays.
If my own children had something going on at school that parents could attend, such as a nativity play or sports day I would take the child minded children along too ( and often this would be the school that they were going to attend in a few years, so that gave them an early insight into the school goings on).
Plese add any more advantages of using a registered child minder over a larger setting by leaving me a comment below.
As always questuions and comments are welcome.
Until next time.
Karen
x
Linked with
Childminders can also meet up together meaning that it’s a small home setting but children can mix in a slightly bigger group too. Childminders I feel have more freedom so they can decide to have a day at the beach or go for a walk in the woods or stay at home and bake etc. I have worked in nurseries and preschools and I much prefer being a childminder !!
Absolutely, pascal, thanks for adding to my advantages
Good points. #Dreamteam
Thank you, Lydia
These are some really great points. I think these are definitely points that a parent should consider. #DreamTeam
Thanks for your kind words Crystal
Smaller settings are always preferred. I tend to believe that a child’s needs can be lost in a large setting. I was an in-home care provider while my own children were younger so I could also be home, it worked out well for all.
Absolutely, Melinda
I was astonished at the amount of paperwork that child minders need to complete. If I had gone back to work shortly after givign birth then I would have chosen a childminder due to the more personal provision. Thanks for linking up with #DreamTeam
Yes, Laura, if a child minder isn’t organised, she will spend as much time on paperwork as playing with the children
I think having a child minder is better for certain children, especially ones that need more one to one care
Absolutely agree Natasha, thanks for sharing your thoughts
I think Iād love to have the help of a child minder, but maybe a little bit out of budget š¬
Worth every penny, Ross! Thanks for your comment
Childminders in most areas are considerably cheaper than the nurseries
Absolutely, Dawn, thanks for sharing
You will find that we are often a lot cheaper than a nursery often working for a 1/3 of minimum wage, but most do it because we love to see our mindees grow and thrive
Absolutely, Ross
For us it was the benefit of having a small group of children, with a personal feel. A home from home. Our childminder cared for our little one as if she was one of her own children. Thank you for joining us for the #DreamTeam Karen š xx
Thanks for leaving your thoughts and experience, Annette
I think both settings have pros and cons and it is totally what the child and family will respond best to. Thanks for linking up with the #dreamteam
I agree, Laura