Cherish the Children: Who will look after them when I am at work?

It is now estimated that around one fifth of all Irish children under the age of nine are in some form of paid childcare. Interestingly enough approximately 73,000 families, or 42.5% of all families in Ireland with pre-school children, regularly rely on non-parental childcare arrangements for minding their children during normal working hours. Naturally a big question for anyone going back to work, whether after maternity leave or a prolonged absence is, "Who will take care of my children?" We caught up with Laura Curtin, Communications Manager with the Best Creche Group, to give us some insight into what parents should be looking for. 

“Certainly choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions families have to make”, stated Laura.  “Finding good childcare takes time and thought. Parents need to think about the types of childcare programmes available to them, what good childcare is and which arrangement best meets their needs.  While it is important to listen to the experiences of family and friends, all too often parents rely on word-of-mouth as a means of choosing a childcare facility and do not rely on a set criteria set out by the Health Service Executive (HSE) or the National Children's Nurseries Association (NCNA)”.

The initial advice that Laura gives to parents, when visiting one of the five Best Creche Group facilities in Munster, is to begin their search for childcare early.  She recommends parents explore as many options as they can as unfortunately, in Ireland, there is a crisis in the provision of good quality day care for our children, particularly babies. This crisis seems set to continue as more parents now opt to work outside of the home, with the result that most crèches have waiting lists.  However, by approaching local childcare facilities early gives parents a better chance of securing a place. 

When researching the childcare facilities the NCNA has a very good checklist that the Best Creche Group recommends parents to review prior to visiting them, to ensure all questions they have are answered.  The key things to take into account are:

• Leave yourself plenty of time to find the right childcare facility
• Be organised.  Make sure you keep track of the childcare facilities you visit, any information or booklets you are given and your thoughts / impressions of each one
• Make sure you examine all the childcare alternatives available to you
• Be honest with yourself.  Be aware of what will suit your lifestyle, what is practical and what you want for your child
• Be confident that you will make the right choice and be prepared to follow your own instincts
• Research the childcare facility reputation on line and with the HSE.  There are a number of website forums available to parents e.g. www.childcare.ie, www.boards.ie, www.rollercoaster.ie

More and more, research tells us that our children's healthy development depends on safe and positive experiences during the first few years of life. Good childcare programmes provide a stimulating place for children to be social, to learn and to grow. This is something that is at the cornerstone of the Best Creche Group ethos.  It is important for parents to ask questions and observe the dynamics of the childcare facility.  Key things to look out for are:

• The childcare facility should have a warm, loving and fun atmosphere where you feel your child will flourish and grow
• There should be a friendly, welcoming and attentive staff
• Structured curriculum that includes physical & creative activities, play, quiet time, meals and free time
• Evidence of staff qualifications, policies / procedures and safety statement
• Visible open door policy for parents, with regular progress reports
• The childcare facility should be large enough to offer freedom and space to each child, yet the area should not be so large as to hinder supervision
• The premises should have a sense of order and cleanliness that is balanced with a sense of creativity and fun
• All equipment in the childcare is safe and well maintained

There is no denying that taking the decision to send children to a childcare facility can be very traumatic for parents, says Laura.  However, by following some simple steps and planning in advance can result in a stress free transition for, both, parent and child and lead to many years of fun! 

About the Best Creche Group

The Best Crèche Group is one of Ireland’s leading childcare providers. Each crèche is purpose built to the highest of Health Service Executive (HSE) Standards. The innovative crèche designs, creative room layout and high tech security provide a safe & stimulating environment for all children attending.   Conveniently located in three counties across Munster the Best Crèche Group offers a very convenient alternative to "stay at home" childcare. They can be found in Clonmel in Co. Tipperary, Glanmire in Co. Cork, Killarney and Listowel in Co. Kerry and the Model Farm Road in Cork city. All crèches have parking to the door to ensure ease of drop off and collection.   The team members have a true vocation when it comes to looking after children. A number of them are mothers themselves and all understand the importance of balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and social wellbeing and development of the children in our care. Every day, when it is time to say goodbye, the team is already looking forward to the stories, activities and fun that lies ahead tomorrow.  For more information please visit www.bestcreche.ie