Daycare for a baby can range in price dependant on the area you are looking for childcare, the size of the centre as well as what is offered. It is important to ask the daycare centre you are looking at what they include in their fees. You may be out of pocket quite a lot and have to supply your own nappies, milk and even food. Chipmunks in the Park childcare centre includes all of this in the fees. The best way to ensure the centre fits within your budget is to call and speak to the manager directly and enquire about the fees for your child’s age group. You can then ask them to calculate what your fees would be using your Child Care Subsidy percentage.

Many childcare centres brand themselves differently from daycare, child care and early education. All centres follow the same framework and standards so its important to look at a few centres near you and ensure they are right for you and your children.

Daycares / Early learning centres work with families and children to gauge an understanding on each child’s most current interest. This is done to ensure that learning programs are developed to harness these interests and ensure that children will engage with activities provided. These programs will challenge the children’s self help skills, social skills, gross motor skills, cognitive skills and so much more. Learning programs are developed no matter the age of the child and always ensure the activities provided are age appropriate and working towards relevant developmental milestones being reached.

Many Lethbridge Park daycare centres take babies from 6 weeks, after having their first round of vaccinations. Some preschools however may take children from an older age, so the best option is to call your local child care centres to see if they cater for your childs age group. It is also important to ensure that their resources cater for your child age i.e cots, highchairs etc.

If your child is attending a daycare or preschool it is beneficial to speak with their educators on their development and ensure they are meeting all development milestones that will support a smooth transition to school. Children should have confident self help skills as many primary schools do not have the staffing numbers to support children with simple tasks such as putting on their shoes, collecting their belongings and such. Children should be confident in using the bathroom, and recognising when they need to go. If your child is attending an early learning centre or preschool, speak with the educators regularly on these areas. If your child is not attending childcare or preschool, it is very beneficial to have them in care for at least 6 months prior to sending them to primary school. This will help with social and emotional skills and ability to self regulate, especially at drop off times.