Introduction
Child care is indeed one of the most essential life components in the modern society. Quality child care can have a very huge impact in the development of a child during the early years. Researchers have for many years been examining some child care aspects that positively influence child development. The aim of this paper is to comprehensively examine some of these elements, particularly in Ireland where the government had undertaken several initiatives to ensure that quality care is accorded to every child or baby in the country through the Ministry of Children and Youth Affairs
First, a quality environment is paramount if a high quality child care is to be achieved. Good child development is likely to occur in a clean, neat, healthy and orderly setting. Additionally, this setting or environment should be organized into activity areas that are fit for the children or babies. Enough equipment and material should be availed and this equipment should be one that is developmentally appropriate for the children, for example the babies should be given harmless suckling bottles.
The activities planned for the children should also be age and developmentally appropriate and these activities should allow for imaginative and creative thinking. When it comes to resting or sleeping, the children should be provided with ample sleep so as to not to restrict their body movements since this can have a negative impact on their physical development.
A good staffing ratio is also another critical ingredient of quality child care. A sufficient number of adults is required for efficient monitoring of the children. In Ireland, the recommended ratio is one adult for every three preschool children. The staff should also be adequately trained in early childhood care. In Ireland, Garda vetting is mandatory for the child care providers and the staff should therefore be vetted charged with minding the preschool children should therefore have undergone successful vetting by this body.
For the preschool children who have not undergone potty training, the care providers should endeavor to train the children but before this is successfully accomplished, proper nappy and diapers changing should take place. Another key feature pertains to first aid activities. A proper child care facility or environment should not only have first aid kits and equipment in its vicinity, but should also have staff that is adequately trained in first aid provision.
Another crucial component of quality child care is parent communication. There should be frequent communication with the baby’s parents so as to know all of the requirements of the child. There should also be frequent interaction between the parent, the care provider and the baby or the child so that a positive relationship can ensue. Parents must feel free to discuss any pertinent issues or concerns about their babies with the child care provider.
In conclusion, it is apparent that quality care for preschool children in Ireland and in other nations indeed has the capability to promote autonomy, trust, happiness and well being in the baby. Moreover, it can lead to emotional, social, physical and intellectual development.
