Childcare Chatter: Reasons to choose quality child care

By Jennifer Usher on February 8, 2020.

One of the most challenging things as a new parent is finding a quality child care program. The Medicine Hat & District Child Care Association is here to help. We encourage you to visit our website for a list of regulated child care programs and agencies within southeast Alberta. Our membership list will start you off on the right foot with each program’s hours of operation and the ages of children served. But you must learn more in order to select a program that is the right fit for you and your child.

Recently, the Early Childhood Development Association of P.E.I. shared a list of 10 reasons to choose quality child care. While this association is far away geographically from our province. They hit the nail right on the head for all children across this great country.

One reason to choose a quality child care program is that early childhood educators are experts in child development and trained to create inspiring learning environments. They provide children the gift of time and attention. Educators will stop and explore the new flowers or jump in the mud puddles. Early childhood educators know how to have fun! They’re not afraid to be silly and laugh with your child; all while nurturing your child’s creativity and helping to build their self-confidence. Early childhood educators ask open-ended questions to inspire creative thought and curiosity, to encourage children to explore, and to make learning fun.

Educators use their expertise to develop programs that use play as a tool for teaching math, literacy, science, and essential life skills that last for life! Early childhood educators read and tell stories, sing songs, and do puppet shows to inspire a love of language and to build early literacy skills. They are educated to appropriately support children to gain social skills, which are so important in making friends and developing positive relationships!

Every child needs reasonable boundaries, such as no playing ball inside. Early childhood educators set limits and support families in doing the same. They provide safe opportunities for your child to be independent and to become confident in their personality and decision making skills. Everyone gets stumped by parenting from time to time juggling schedules, demands, and behaviours. When it gets tough and you need someone to talk to, reach out to your child’s early childhood educator!

If you are currently looking for a program, we encourage you to use this list as a guide for what to look for in a program. If you would like additional information, we have more on our website. Also, coming soon from the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Alberta will be some videos that share the same kind of information. Visit us at facebook.com/MHDCCA or mhdcca.com for more information.

Jennifer Usher is the Coordinator of the Medicine Hat & District Child Care Association.