Children view things very differently from adults and although
the issues we consider as a parent or carer are very important,
they are often not the things most important to young children.
We've put together some of the things that we think may be
important to your child/ren about childcare. They have not
been put in any particular order and you must remember that they
are an adult's idea of what children may think. We hope
they're are useful to you when you begin the process of selecting
childcare.
Welcome
- Does anyone notice when I come in; do they say hello'?
- Can my Mum/Dad stay if I want them to?
The Place
- Can I reach the things I need (toys, handles, toilet)?
- Can I see out of the window?
- Are there any people, or pictures of people, who look like
me?
- Is there somewhere safe for my things?
- Is there somewhere I can be quiet/by myself?
Things to Do:
- Are there a variety of things to play with?
- Can I choose what I play with?
- Do grown-ups let me finish what I am doing?
- Do grown-ups tell us what is going to happen?
- Is there something different to do each time?
- Can I play outside?
Food and Sleep
- What happens if I am thirsty or hungry?
- Will they make me eat food I don't usually eat at home?
- Will they make me go to bed if I'm not tired?
The People
- Do they listen when I try to tell them something?
- What happens if I don't understand something?
- Who do I tell if something is wrong?
- If I really want my Mum/Dad, will they get them for me?
- Can I choose who I play with?
- Can I bring my teddy/toy/comforter with me?
The Rules
- Does anyone tell me what I am allowed and not allowed to
do?
- What happens if I do something wrong?
- What happens if I wet my pants? Will they be cross?
- What happens if other children tell me I can't play?
- What happens if other children hurt or frighten me?
- Can I help make the rules?
Whenever and wherever possible ask your child for their
thoughts and suggestions. Remember they know you better than
anyone else and you know them better than anyone else.
The issues that parent/carers consider when selecting a
form of childcare are still very important but some of the points
mentioned may give a few ideas about other questions you may
wish to ask or things you would like to observe.