Are Long Day Care Centres Right for Your Child?

James Marellene - 24 Jun 20

When it comes to selecting an early childhood service for your child, there are many options to choose from, especially if you live in Sydney. Choosing a provider for your child is a lot harder than it sounds. There are many factors that can go into your decision, most importantly being, “Is this option right for my child?” Knowing whether an early childhood service is suited for your child depends on you and your child. Among the many options available in Sydney are, long day care centres, one of the most popular choices for parents. It’s popular for a reason, long day care centres offer a multitude of benefits, however, that doesn’t mean that it is suited for you and your child. In this article, we’ll break down how you can figure out if a long day care centre is right for your child.

What child care options in Sydney are available to me?

Before we explore long day care centres, let’s take a look at a few of the other options that are available in Sydney. These services range from very expensive to very affordable and are beneficial to a wide variety of families. So, if you are considering any of the below options, ensure that you research them properly.

• Home-based care – private nannies or baby sitters.
• Family day care
• Outside school hours-care

Signs that long day care centres are right for your child

You have a conventional job

Long day care centres operate during weekdays and are extremely reliable. You won’t ever have to worry about a carer cancelling because of sickness or another reason as even if this does happen, a substitute will be provided. If you need regular reliable care during weekdays, then this is a great option for you and your family. Unlike nannies or family daycare, there is consistent care for your child during the week.  However, long day care centres have extremely strict pick-up times that if broken, can result in you being heavily fined. If your job is prone to very early mornings and late evenings or, if you do not an alternative drop-off and pick-up option for your child, then speak to your prospective centre about their end times or, select an alternative.

Your child is social

If your child is social, loves playing with other children and you value the benefits that come with social interaction in early childhood, then long day care is the way to go. At a long day care centre, you can expect your child to, of course, be around other adults and children in their age group as well as older and younger ones. Interacting with other children has a number of developmental and emotional benefits for your child. 

You want structure and routine for your child

Long day cares are known for having structure and strict routines for children at the centre. Additionally, all carers have at minimum a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113). Some children function better with routines and structure while some, due to personality, disability or disorder, flourish with unstructured days. Understand your child’s needs and make a decision from there. There are however, many benefits associated with routines including, preparation for advanced schooling and learning discipline.

Your child does not require individualised attention

Children who require individualised attention due to mental or physical disability, illness or behavioural disorder, will benefit from a family day or home-based day care. At long day cares, carers are in charge of a few children at a time and while it is very controlled and excellent care and teaching is given, your child may require more individualised attention.

We hope that this article helps you make a decision that’s best for you and your child. Remember that childcare centres play an important role in the emotional, cognitive and social development of your child, so, it is important that you select one that your child loves and that treats them like family. Long day cares are a great option for most children however, it is also important to take into consideration practical aspects as this can determine your child’s experience both at home and at the daycare centre.

James Marellene

Hi I am James Marellene, a Child Care Educator living in Sydney.

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