Introduction

Deciding when to send your child to daycare is a huge milestone. Babies turn one year old and experience rapid development. They learn to communicate in new ways, explore their surroundings and start developing independence. This is often when many parents consider moving their child into an early learning and care environment.

When choosing a daycare option for your family in Richmond, there are several factors to consider. Every child develops differently, so factors such as readiness, routine, comfort with new carers and temperament should be considered. Whilst a child who is twelve months old may easily move into childcare, some children may do better with a gradual approach.

Creating a warm and stimulating environment for your little learner is a key aspect of a quality early childhood education. When choosing infant and toddler care in Richmond, understanding signs of readiness will help you make an informed decision.

How do you know when your child is ready for daycare? Below are the key considerations to make an informed decision.

Is 12 Months a Good Age to Start Daycare?

It can be a good age to start putting your child into daycare at 12 months of age. Babies will start to become very curious at this age, they may be walking, recognising words they know, playing with toys and interacting with those around them. Starting daycare around their 1st birthday will expose your child to new experiences. They will have the opportunity to play age appropriate activities, interact with other children and get used to a routine. However every child will be different and there is no set age to start daycare. Some babies will be happy to see new carers whereas others may get separation anxiety. 

Think about your child’s personality, how comfortable they are and what they need development wise.

Signs Your 1-Year-Old May Be Ready for Daycare

Each child will develop at their own pace. However, there are some signs to look out for when deciding whether your child is ready.

1. Shows interest in new things

If your one year old enjoys playing with toys, looking at new things and watching different areas, they could benefit from age-appropriate activities at daycare. They will learn through their natural curiosity and become confident with new things.

2. Showing interest in others

They may be showing interest in the adults they know, responding to their carers and watching other children. Whilst they may not be interacting with other children at this age, they can begin to experience social interaction by being around other children.

3. Has a routine

If your child has a routine with sleeping, eating and playing then it may be easier to set up a routine for them at daycare. However, you do not need to have a perfect routine.

4. Can get used to being with trusted carers

If your baby can slowly become used to being with grandparents, family members or other trusted carers then it can make the transition to daycare easier. Whilst it does not guarantee that they won’t have any issues with being separated, it is a great starting point.

5. Enjoys activities

Babies who enjoy music, sensory activities, picture books, simple toys and exploring will enjoy the activities on offer at daycare. These activities will help to develop their natural curiosity.

These are general guidelines and you do not need your child to show all of these signs.

What are the benefits of putting your child in daycare?

A high quality daycare can provide your child with learning opportunities that they would not get at home. Some of the benefits include:

1. Social interaction

They will have the opportunity to watch other children, interact with educators and get to know a variety of people. This can help them to slowly build up their confidence with social situations.

2. Language development

They will learn new words and sounds through stories, songs, conversations and simple instructions. Educators can encourage them to interact through everyday situations, picture books and music.

3. Play Based Learning

Play is a huge part of young children’s development. They will have the opportunity to explore the world around them through block play, sensory play, music and movement. This will help to develop their coordination and curiosity.

4. Independence

Simple everyday activities such as choosing a toy, playing and doing things they are used to can help to encourage them to become independent.

5. Routine

If they have a routine at their childcare they will know what to expect. They will know when it is mealtime, nap time, playtime and outside time. Children often feel more secure when they know what to expect.

What should Richmond Parents look for when choosing a Daycare for their one year old?

Choosing a childcare provider should be more than finding a space. You want to ensure that they understand what babies and young toddlers need.

When visiting a childcare centre consider:

• Qualified and Experienced Educators: Ensure that they ask about the qualifications of the educators and their experience with infants and toddlers. They will need carers who are responsive and understand what they need developmentally.
• Clean and safe: Ensure that the environment is clean, child friendly and safe. Ask about the hygiene, how they supervise the children and what they would do in an emergency.
• Age Appropriate Activities: Ensure that they have activities to encourage sensory play, movement, music, stories and creative play. They will not have academic based activities for one year olds.
• Small groups and supervision: In BC, licensed group childcare for children under 36 months must follow certain rules regarding group sizes. Ask how they ensure that they have the correct amount of supervision throughout the day.
• Nap and feeding: Every baby is different and will have different needs. Ensure that they can work with your child’s current routine and dietary requirements.
• Communication with parents:  If parents are kept up to date they will know how their child is settling in, what activities they are enjoying and if there are any concerns.

How to prepare your one year old for their first day of daycare?

Starting daycare can be a big change for both you and your child. With a little preparation, you can make it a more relaxed experience.

• Visit the daycare: Take your baby along to visit the environment, toys and educators. This will make them feel more familiar. Observe how the carers interact with the children.
• Start saying goodbye for short periods of time: If possible, get your child used to being with their trusted carer for short periods of time. Gradually increase the time they spend with them to help them become more comfortable.
• Stick to their routine:  Try your best to keep their routine the same. Let them know what they like, when they nap and any specific needs they have.
• Pack familiar items: Depending on the policies of the centre, pack extra clothes, nappies, feeding items and anything else they may need. If allowed by the centre, bring an item from home to give them a sense of security.
• Give them time to adjust: Some children will quickly adjust to daycare whilst others may take a few weeks. It is common for them to have separation anxiety at this age. Be patient and keep your drop off routine the same. Keep in contact with the educators to see how they are progressing.

Why does choosing the right childcare in Richmond matters?

Parents in Richmond will have a variety of childcare needs depending on their work schedules, family routines and the developmental stages their children are in. Finding a centre that can provide nurturing, safe and learning based childcare can impact how positive their experience will be.

Creative Daycare provides child focused, play based learning. They provide children with lots of opportunities to follow their interests through creative activities. They provide:

• Creative activities: Art, imaginative play and hands-on activities to encourage curiosity.
• Montessori resources: Resources to help with language, maths, science and life skills.
• Physical development:  Indoor physical activities, exercise, dancing and games for children of all ages.
• Outdoor activities:  Children have the opportunity to explore outside in a fenced area.
• Communication with parents:  Parents will be kept up to date through a parent WhatsApp group.
• Qualified educators: The centre provides learning based on their experience in early childhood education.

These all match the childcare philosophy and learning environment of the centre. Before enrolling ensure that they work with the correct age group, have availability and provide the right activities for your one year old.

Creative day care

Visiting Creative Daycare can help you to understand their environment and what your child’s individual needs may be.

Understanding childcare age groups in BC

Something to note is that childcare age groups in BC are different to what you may know from preschool. Children under 18 months are generally classed as infants. Children between 18-36 months are toddlers. Preschool generally works with older children from 30 months.

Therefore if you are looking for childcare for your one year old you will want to ask about infant toddler childcare. Not all preschools will take babies. It is also a good idea to look into the licence of the centre, what age groups they can take, how many staff there are and if there is any availability.

When is the best time to put your baby in daycare?

There is no perfect age to put your child in daycare. For some families 12 months is the right age, whether it is due to parental leave ending or changes to work. However some families may want to wait until they are a bit older.

Instead of focussing on the age, think about:

Does your child seem comfortable with trusted adults?

Can the daycare work with their eating and sleeping routine?

Do they have facilities that are suitable for babies?

Do educators have the skills and experience to look after children under 18 months?

Do you feel comfortable with how they ensure safety and communicate with parents?

Also consider the availability of childcare. Parents in Richmond may want to research centres and add themselves to waiting lists well in advance.

The best choice will be one that works for your family and puts your child’s comfort, safety and development first.

FAQ

1. Can one year olds go to daycare in Richmond, BC?

Yes. One year olds can go to infant toddler childcare centres in Richmond. Before applying ensure that they take the correct age group, have the correct requirements and have availability.

2. Is 12 months too young for daycare?

Not necessarily. Many little ones start daycare around their first birthday. Whether they are ready will depend on their individual development, family situation and quality of care.

3. How long will it take my one year old to settle in?

Every child will be different. Some will settle in within a few days whilst others may take a few weeks. Having a routine, caring educators and gradually introducing them can make a big difference.

4. What should I pack for my one year old’s first day?

You may be asked to bring extra clothes, nappies, wipes, feeding items and other daily items. Check with the centre what they require.

5. What activities should they have for one year olds?

They should have age-appropriate activities such as sensory play, music, picture books, movement, simple toys and supervised outdoor exploration. This will help them to become curious and support their early development.

6. How can I choose the best Daycare

For my one year old in Richmond?

Consider the qualifications of the educators, safety, group sizes, routine, feeding and age Appropriate Activities. One of the best ways to get a sense of the environment is to visit.

7. Should I put my baby in daycare before their first birthday?

Some infant toddler programmes will take younger babies. If you like to plan ahead, contact centres early to find out what ages they take and their waiting list.

Conclusion

Putting your child in daycare at one can be a positive experience if they are placed in an environment that suits their individual needs. If they are in the right childcare they will have the opportunity to explore, play, interact and become used to their daily routine. When choosing childcare in Richmond you should consider more than just their age. Consider how experienced the carers are, how safe the environment is, if the activities are age appropriate and how they communicate with families.

At Creative Daycare children are encouraged to follow their interests through creative, child focused and play based activities. If you are looking for childcare for your little one contact Creative Daycare to discuss what you need, understand their programmes and if they have any availability. Provide your child with a caring environment where every new experience can be a learning opportunity.

Visit Creative Daycare or contact them on 604-278-1675.