What Age Should You Start Daycare?

Every child is unique, and so is their journey through early childhood. When deciding on the best age to start daycare, there’s no universal answer. Some children are ready to embrace a social, structured environment at just a few months old, while others may need more time to feel comfortable being away from home. By recognising the unique readiness of your child, you can choose the best time for this exciting new chapter.

What is Daycare?

Daycare provides a structured environment where young children can learn, play, and socialise under the supervision of trained professionals. It is designed to cater to children from infancy through preschool age, offering a balance of educational activities, free play, and opportunities for social interaction.

Daycare is a valuable resource for families, not just for its convenience but also for its contribution to a child’s overall growth. By engaging in age-appropriate activities, children develop critical skills that lay the foundation for future learning and social development.

Why Choose Daycare?

Daycare offers a wealth of benefits, particularly during the early years of a child’s development.

• Cognitive Development: Through activities like storytelling, puzzles, and games, children in daycare can improve their language and problem-solving skills.

• Emotional Growth: Being in a structured environment helps children develop a sense of security and routine, which is important for emotional well-being.

• Social Skills: Daycare allows children to interact with peers and adults outside their family circle, teaching them cooperation, sharing, and empathy.

These early experiences in daycare can help prepare children for preschool and beyond.

What Do We Offer?

At The Green Elephant, we understand the importance of creating a nurturing and engaging environment for children. Our age range for daycare is children from six weeks to six years of age, and we make sure each stage of early development is supported with care and expertise.

Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. We prioritise hands-on, play-based experiences that align with the Early Years Learning Framework. This approach helps children develop their cognitive, social, and physical abilities while nurturing their emotional growth. 

Learn more about our curriculum.

Why is Daycare Beneficial for Children and Parents?

Daycare offers a number of benefits for both children and their families. For children, it provides a stimulating environment that fosters growth and development. For parents, it offers peace of mind, knowing their child is in a safe and enriching space while they manage work or other responsibilities.

Socialisation for Children

Social interaction is a key aspect of a child’s early development. In daycare, children have the opportunity to engage with peers, which helps them develop communication skills, learn about teamwork, and build friendships. Socialising in a diverse environment also teaches children to appreciate different perspectives and adapt to new situations.

Engaging with other children from a young age lays the groundwork for emotional intelligence. Children learn to manage conflicts, understand social cues, and express their feelings constructively; skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

A Great Resource for Working Parents

For parents juggling careers, daycare provides a flexible solution. It allows working parents to pursue their professional goals while ensuring their child receives quality care. Beyond convenience, daycare also creates a support network for families, as many centres foster a sense of community among parents and caregivers.

The structured routine that daycare offers can also benefit the entire family. It helps establish consistency in daily schedules, making transitions smoother for both children and parents.

How to Decide if it’s the Right Time to Send Your Child to Daycare?

Deciding on the best daycare age to enrol your child depends on their readiness and your family’s needs. Here are some signs that may indicate your child is ready:

• Interest in Socialising: If your child shows curiosity about playing with other children, they may benefit from the social environment of daycare.

• Routine Adaptability: Children who thrive on structure and routine often adjust well to the organised schedule of daycare.

• Parental Readiness: If you’re returning to work or looking for structured learning opportunities for your child, daycare might be the right choice.

However, there are also signs that it might be better to wait:

• Separation Anxiety: If your child struggles significantly with being away from you, they may need more time to adjust to the idea of daycare.

• Health Concerns: If your child has ongoing health issues or a weakened immune system, consult a healthcare professional before enrolling them in daycare.

Ultimately, trust your instincts and consider what feels right for your child and your family. To learn more about our daycare and determine if it’s the right fit, we encourage you to book a tour.