Having your preschool-age child go through a childcare program is scientifically proven to help him or her in later years in kindergarten and school. Nonetheless, it is shrouded by myths that may make it confusing, deciding whether childcare in MacPherson is even worth it.

To clear this confusion, the editorial team at https://ourfirststeps.com.sg/macpherson/ created this guide to shed light on the six common myths about childcare in MacPherson. In debunking these myths, we’ve specifically been keen to give you valid reasons why they’re wrong. Read on.

Myth 1: Licensed Childcare Means High Quality

Many parents tend to confuse childcare licensing with the quality of childcare services offered in the facility. Now, just like other states, Singapore has specific minimum standards to be a licensed childcare provider.

Licensing doesn’t usually translate to quality in childcare in MacPherson. Therefore, as a general rule, it is prudent that you perform enough due diligence instead of just looking at the licensing.

Ideally, you will need to ensure that your preferred childcare is licensed and certified by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and overseen by the Ministry of Education (MOE). Other than the certification and licensing, you may need to check the facility’s reputation in your region, and confirm the academic qualification of the caregivers in the facility.

Myth 2: Childcare Centers are not Educational for Children; instead, they’re only Play-based

To begin with, we acknowledge that the programs in childcare centers are majorly play-based. The purposeful-play approach here is backed by multiple study reports which show that preschool-age children show better progress in play-based programs.

It is also important to note that any high-quality childcare provider uses a curriculum to direct the children’s activities. In this case, the curriculum is designed to help the children develop on multiple domains, which range from emotional development to cognitive and social development.

Purposeful play helps in nurturing the children’s imagination, thereby giving them a sense of adventure. Through purposeful play, the children can learn essential skills, ranging from sharing, solving problems, and working with others. Purposeful play is also essential in training essential math skills to ensure a smooth transition to post pre-school education system.

Myth 3: My Child Will Pick up Bad Behavior from Preschool

The issue of children possibly picking up bad behavior is a pretty common myth. Well, it is acknowledgeable that children learn by observance.

However, that doesn’t mean that the child would only pick bad behavior from a childcare center. In fact, if recent studies are anything to go by, a childcare center is your best bet if you want your child to behave well

Childcare centers have a myriad of approaches for promoting good behavior. High-quality childcare programs aim at helping the children get used to having people around them. 

For instance, the programs are structured to help children understand what other people feel. This way, they learn to avoid negative behaviors that may make others upset. 

Other than that, caregivers and teachers in good childcare in MacPherson are also trained to be good role models to the children under their watch. They stick to positive rules to guide the learners’ behaviors in positive ways.

Myth 4: Childcare Causes Children to Lose Attachment to their Parents

Childcare programs don’t necessarily make children lose attachment to their parents. As you probably already know, the parents’ connection with their children is special and can hardly be broken.

Research also shows that the programs do not disrupt the parental attachment for most children who go through childcare programs. Here’s the twist; there is a chance of your child developing an attachment with the caregivers at the childcare in MacPherson if you expose him/her to negative parent-child relations.

If you wish to create and secure an attachment with your child, therefore, refusing to let them go to childcare isn’t an option. Instead, you can try these tips;

  1. Comfort him/her every time they’re sad or cries
  2. When speaking to him/her, maintain a warm, soothing tone
  3. Make eye contact when speaking to them

Myth 5: Childcare is typically Babysitting                                 

This is one of the most widespread myths about childcare. It is relatable considering that many parents consider childcare in MacPherson when they’re looking for an option of having their children looked at while attending to other commitments.

Well, childcare centers offer more than babysitting. The teachers in the facility go through rigorous training to be qualified to handle the children in the centers.

Another notable difference is that babysitters typically don’t care much about the quality of care they offer to the children they look after and only work temporarily. Caregivers in the childcare centers are instead passionate about taking care of the children, they’re exceptionally reliable, and in most cases, know critical safety practices for your young one. Finally, childcare centers offer services that are helpful in preparing your child for kindergarten going forward instead of just fun and play, which is the norm with most babysitters.

Myth 6: Childcare Foods are Unhealthy

Firstly, childcare centers promote healthy eating by ensuring that mealtimes are relaxed and comfortable. They also promote healthy eating by being good role models to the youngsters and encouraging picky eaters to try new foods. 

Childcare centers also offer rotating menus developed across multiple food groups to ensure that children get the essential nutrients so they can benefit from healthy growth, good health, and development. In most cases, they do not stick to a one-size-fits-all diet because of the varying dietary needs across learners.

Therefore, one of the critical indicators of good childcare in MacPherson is the facility’s desire to accommodate your child’s unique dietary needs. Speaking of accommodating your baby’s dietary needs, food intolerances, or allergies, it is possible that a provider isn’t able to offer all the special needs required by your child. If that’s the case, you may need to work with them to find practical ways of accommodating the baby’s needs, which may involve you packing the baby’s special foods when they go to school.

In Closing

We hope these points help you notice the common myths about childcare in MacPherson. If you have any other queries about the program, be sure to send us an email or call us today.