官方微信 手机客户端

澳洲ABC

搜索
查看: 2720|回复: 24

[育儿经验] 开一个关于day care的资源楼, 新手栽树, 欢迎新新手爸妈进来乘凉.完成了

[复制链接]

15

主题

327

帖子

771

积分

高级会员

Rank: 4

积分
771
发表于 2014-6-10 09:51:36 | 显示全部楼层 |阅读模式
俺这个新手妈妈准备开一个关于day care的资源楼, 把偶最近收集到的关于day care的官方非官方信息放在一起.
帮助一下正准备了解day care的新新手爸妈. 俺家宝宝刚上day care没几天. 所以非常可能俺了解的还不够多.
也欢迎知道相关信息资源的爸爸妈妈们,还有板上的幼教专家们比如风玲阿, chatchat 的阿 补充在这里.  
2楼
day care 的类型

3楼
怎样寻找高质量 day care
内有check list
4楼5楼
官方网站集合
6楼
非官方网站
7楼
政府的财政支持 family assistance
8楼
有用的电话集合
9楼
如何帮助孩子适应child care
[ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-24 23:17 编辑 ]




上一篇:建一个英文常用儿歌大楼 30/06 updated 欢迎妈妈们补充
下一篇:九个半月的娃反复生病一个半月了求安慰

15

主题

327

帖子

771

积分

高级会员

Rank: 4

积分
771
发表于 2014-6-10 11:07:44 | 显示全部楼层

There are many different types of children’s services
Children’s services aim to meet the care, education and development needs of children. There are a range of different models ofchildren’s services in NSW. Most types of children’s services in NSW are licensed by the NSW Department of Children’s Services. Children’s services are provided using a variety of service delivery types that can be grouped into six broad categories:
Centre- based long day care, Family Day Care, Occasional Care,Preschools, Outside School Hours Care and Other Services

.
The majority of these service types, except for preschools are eligible to be Australian Government Approved Child Care Services (AGACCS) which means they can receive approval under Family Assistance Law for the purposes of Child Care Benefit. Preschools are presumed to be a State Government responsibility.
Many services in NSW use the name Kindergarten or Preschool to describe their service even if they are a Long Day Care Centre. To further confuse matters, many Long Day Care Centres in NSW run preschool programs. A rough method of determining if a service is preschool or a long daycare is by seeing the number of hours it is open per day and the number of weeks per year. Long Day Care Services are generally open 8-11 hours per day and must be operational 48 weeks per year. Preschools generally are open shorter hours (although some offer extended hours care) and are mostly closed during school holidays.
Who manages children’s services matters
Children’s services are managed by the government (State, Territory and local), community and private sectors. Around 30% of children’s services in NSW other than preschools are community managed, 67%privately managed and 3% local government managed. 80% of preschools are community based, 10% are government managed and 10% are privately managed.
Community based children’s services and government managed children’s services are not for profit – the money theymake are reinvested into the centre. Private centres are run to make a profit for the owners of those centres
They are managed in different ways
Childcare services in NSW are managed under one of the following models:
  • Private     or commercial model. The centre is privately owned and managed. The proprietor has responsibility for overall     legal, financial, employment, planning and policy making decisions. Profit     is returned to the owner/s.
  • Corporate     model. The corporation runs a     chain of child care centres and is publicly listed on the stock exchange.     Profit goes to the corporation's shareholders.
  • Community     based, independently incorporated model. The centre   is managed by a committee comprising parents and community members. The     licensee is the incorporated association, which each year is represented     by the elected management committee. The committee makes all major legal,     financial, employment, planning and policy making decisions. Services under     this model are are non-profit.
  • Sponsored     model (1). The centre is sponsored by     another organisation performing other functions as well as providing     children’s services. These may include services for the aged or     disadvantaged. The Uniting Church of Australia is an example of an   organisation that sponsors childcare services. Services under this model     are non-profit.
  • Sponsored     model (2). The centre is sponsored by     another organisation which only provides children’s services (for example,    SDN and Illawarra Children’s Services).Services under this model are     non-profit.
  • Council     sponsored. This community-based model     will be either under the direct management of a local council or run     independently as a committee of a council. Centres that come under a     council’s direct management may have a committee that has a range of roles     from fund raising to basic decision making.
  • Employer  sponsored. Services may be based in the workplace or run ‘off site’. They may be directly managed by the employer, a committee of employees as established by the employer or a separate organisation contracted to manage the service.
    [ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-24 21:24 编辑 ]
  • 回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    15

    主题

    327

    帖子

    771

    积分

    高级会员

    Rank: 4

    积分
    771
    发表于 2014-6-10 11:50:03 | 显示全部楼层

    介绍一个官方托儿所评估机构, 这个机构专门负责评估托儿所质量, 是政府下属.
    叫做National Childcare Accreditation Council Inc.
    这个机构有专人负责检查托儿所的各项条件, 有专门的quality assurance system.
    它家的网站上有搜索引擎 .
    你可以通过你的地区邮编或者你知道的day care centre, family day care 或者outside school hours care 的名称 直接搜索它是不是在通过评估的列表上. 也可以看到这些单位往年的评估记录.
    搜索链接
    附件贴一个 care for kids写的check list 里面包含挑选幼儿园的方方面面.
    check list
    Starting child care can often be an emotional experience for both the child and the family.When visiting a child care service, families can ask about how the service is meeting the requirements of Child Care Quality Assurance. By spending time in the service with their child, families can begin to understand what they can expect from it. This also enables the child to explore their new environment,establish the beginnings of a relationship with their primary carers, and allows them to meet potential new friends, all with the security of family members being present. Families often feel reassured when they observe their children beginning to develop a positive relationship with child care professionals in the child care setting.
    In a quality environment, child care professionals and families share information.Families tell child care professionals about their child's interests, needs,likes and dislikes. In turn, child care professionals maintain regular, open communication with families, who are informed about anything relating to their children on an ongoing basis. This may be about the child's day or activities;any upsets that occur; how the child is relating to other children, or the child's development and achievements. This ensures that families remain connected with every part of their child's life.
    It is also important that families are able to speak freely with child care professionals about issues such as the services policies on behaviour guidance,diversity and equity, excursions, immunisation, and child protection.
    NCAC can give families advice on what to look for in a quality child care environment and can also provide the contact details of registered child care services through an easy website search facility or by contacting us by telephone. Some questions to consider when looking for child care are:
    [table][tr][td]  
  • Is the service accredited by NCAC? Ask to see the Certificate of Accreditation, the       Quality Profile Certificate and ask about what plans are in place for further improvements
  • Are children spoken to in a warm and friendly manner?
  • How are children supervised?
  • What orientation process is available to my family?
  • What will happen on my childs first day?  [/td][td]  

      [/td][/tr][tr][td]
  • How will I be made aware of changes to the staff caring for my child?
  • What activities will my child be doing?
  • Do the toys,equipment and activities available offer my child choice and meet their interests and abilities?
  • How does the service cater to the individual needs of my child?
  • Are there opportunities for my child to participate in activities where they can explore real-life tasks such as packing away, self-help skills, mealtimes and cooking activities?
  • What accident and emergency procedures are in place to ensure my child is safe?  
  • 回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    15

    主题

    327

    帖子

    771

    积分

    高级会员

    Rank: 4

    积分
    771
    发表于 2014-6-10 12:39:40 | 显示全部楼层

    官方网站里面有很多相关信息资源. 也有中文资源.
    首先是NCAC ,楼上介绍过的
    我建议能读懂英文的家长还是看英文版本, 感觉中文翻译的有些比较费解.....
    中文资源
    Chinese resources
    http://www.ncac.gov.au/translations/chinese.asp
    - Family Factsheets
      The value of play (PDF 556kb - New Window) * New

        Hygiene in child care (PDF 544kb - New Window) * New

        Dressing your child for care(PDF 550kb - New Window) * New

        Bridging the gap between home and child care (PDF 529kb - New Window)  * New

        Programs for children in child care (PDF 515kb - New Window) * New
       
      Biting in Child Care (PDF 506kb - New Window)
    Building a partnership with your child care service (PDF 537kb - New Window)
    Illness in child care (PDF 474kb - New Window)
    Nutrition in child care (PDF 470kb - New Window)
    Preparing for child care (PDF 464kb - New Window)

    Transition to school  (PDF 462kb - New Window)

    Choosing Quality Child Care for Babies (PDF 523kb - New Window)

    Choosing Quality Child Care for Toddlers (PDF 524kb - New Window)  
    Choosing Quality Child Care for Preschoolers (PDF 520kb - New Window)
      
    Choosing Quality Child Care for School Age Children (PDF 526kb - New Window)
    - Choosing Quality Child Care
    Choosing Quality Long Day Care  (PDF 309kb - New Window)
    Choosing Quality Family Day Care (PDF 361kb - New Window)
    Choosing Quality Outside School Hours Care (PDF 359kb - New Window)
    - Handbooks (extracts)
    Quality Improvement and Accreditation System Handbook (PDF 529kb - New Window)
    Family Day Care   Quality Assurance Handbook (PDF 565kb - New Window)
    Outside School Hours Care  Quality Assurance Handbook (PDF 502kb - New Window)
    - Quality Practices Guide
    Family Day Care Quality Practices Guide (PDF 891kb - New Window)
    英文资源
    English resources
    http://www.ncac.gov.au/resources/family_factsheets.asp
  • Biting in  child care  (PDF 264kb - New Window)
  • Building a partnership with your child care service  (PDF 346kb - New Window)
  • Illness in child care (PDF 316kb - New Window)
  • Nutrition in child care  (PDF 281kb - New Window)
  • Preparing for child care (PDF 339kb - New Window)
  • Quality child care for babies  (PDF 256kb - New Window)
  • Quality child care for toddlers  (PDF 291kb - New Window)
  • Quality child care for preschool age children  (PDF 292kb - New Window)
  • Quality child care for school age children  (PDF 242kb - New Window)
  • Transition to school  (PDF 328kb - New Window)
  • Effective Supervision: What to remember at the end of the day (PDF 184kb - New Window)
  • The value of play(PDF 216kb - New Window)  New
  • Hygiene in child care (PDF 224kb - New Window)  New
  • Dressing your child for care(PDF 218kb - New Window)  New
  • Bridging the gap between home and child care(PDF 221kb - New Window)  New
  • Programs for children in child care (PDF 243kb - New Window)  New
    [ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-24 22:02 编辑 ]
  • 回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    15

    主题

    327

    帖子

    771

    积分

    高级会员

    Rank: 4

    积分
    771
    发表于 2014-6-10 13:59:26 | 显示全部楼层

    2. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
    Early childhood section resources
    http://www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Resources/Pages/home.aspx
    Information for families using the childcare fact sheet kit
    http://www.deewr.gov.au/EarlyChildhood/Resources/Pages/CCfactsheetkit.aspx
    The Information for families using child care - fact sheetkit aims to assist families to access the support and services requiredto make important, and sometimes complex, child care decisions.
    Thiscomprehensive set of fact sheets highlight the range of AustralianGovernment services and programs available to families using childcare. The fact sheets include information on Child Care Benefit, theChild Care Tax Rebate, Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Child Carefee assistance, Child Care Services Support program; and Child CareAccess Hotline.
    The fact sheets are not available to order but can be downloaded and printed using the following links.
                            
    For the complete kit:
  • Information for families using child care - fact sheet kit  PDF 1.5 MB | RTF 3 KBChild Care Budget 2008-09 fact sheets
  • Early Childhood Education and Childcare  PDF 131 KB | RTF 31 KB
  • Early Years Learning Framework Fact Sheet  PDF 55 KB | RTF 25 KB
  • Developing a National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care           PDF 228 KB | RTF 24 KB
    For the individual fact sheets:
  • Fact Sheet 1 - What assistance does the Australian Government give me for the cost of my child care?
    PDF 68 KB | RTF 28 KB
  • Fact Sheet 2 - What is Child Care Benefit (CCB)?
    PDF 132 KB | RTF 48 KB
  • Fact Sheet 3 - What is approved child care?
    PDF 200 KB | RTF 23 KB
  • Fact Sheet 4 - What are the different types of approved child care?
    PDF 123 KB | RTF 32 KB
  • Fact Sheet 5 - What is registered child care?
    PDF 219 KB | RTF 26 KB
  • Fact Sheet 6 - How much Child Care Benefit (CCB) can I get?
    PDF 145 KB | RTF 63 KB
  • Fact Sheet 7 - What is the Child Care Benefit (CCB) work, training, study test?
    PDF 218 KB | RTF 26 KB
  • Fact Sheet 8 - What are my responsibilities for receiving Child Care Benefit (CCB)?
    PDF 215 KB | RTF 24 KB
  • Fact Sheet 9 - Absences from child care - Child Care Benefit (CCB)
    PDF 216 KB | RTF 34 KB
  • Fact Sheet 10 - What is the Child Care Tax Rebate (CCTR)?
    PDF 140 KB | RTF 50 KB
  • Fact Sheet 11 - Is there extra help I can get with my child care cost?
    PDF 198 KB | RTF 24 KB
  • Fact Sheet 12 - What is Jobs, Education and Training (JET) Child Care fee assistance?
    PDF 214 KB | RTF 28 KB
  • Fact Sheet 13 - What child care services are available in rural and remote and Indigenous communities?
    PDF 203 KB | RTF 24 KB
  • Fact Sheet 14 - Is there any extra assistance for my child with additional needs?
    PDF 133 KB | RTF 27 KB
  • Fact Sheet 15 - How do I know if my child is attending a quality service?
    PDF 211 KB | RTF 35 KB
  • Fact Sheet 16 - Will my child be given priority for child care services?
    PDF 197 KB | RTF 23 KB
  • Fact Sheet 17 - The Child Care Access Hotline - to help you find a child care service for your child.
    PDF 201 KB | RTF 26 KB
  • Fact Sheet 18 - Where do I go for more information on child care?
    PDF 221 KB | RTF 39 KB

    3.  
    mychild.gov.au
    The website mychild.gov.au provides information to families about Australian Government early learning and care initiatives and other issues that affect children.
    4. 这个板上的爸妈多次提到过一个政府下属的育儿网站 , 里面也有关于托儿所的
    http://raisingchildren.net.au/child_care_to_school/child_care_to_school_landing.html
  • Child care
  • Child care: how good care helps kids
  • Child care: getting started
  • Child care costs and fees
  • Child care statistics and facts
  • Child care types
  • Working with carers
  • Preschool
  • Preschool in your state
  • Preschool practicalities
  • Preschool: how it works and why it's good
  • Afraid of starting preschool
  • School
  • Choosing your child's school
  • Moving schools
  • Tips for parent-teacher interviews
  • Starting school
  • School practicalities
  • Talking about school
  • School mornings
  • Homework
  • 'Beat the buzzer' game
  • View film clips
  • Playgroups, childcare and preschool
    [ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-24 22:06 编辑 ]
  • 回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    15

    主题

    327

    帖子

    771

    积分

    高级会员

    Rank: 4

    积分
    771
    发表于 2014-6-10 15:11:49 | 显示全部楼层

    1. care for kids 网站
    http://www.careforkids.com.au/articlesv2/?drop_menu=s_articles
    这个网站也可以搜索各个地区的 childcare service 和google map 配合在一起, 还挺好用的
    他们自己的介绍
    We know that finding suitable child care is one of the most daunting and time consuming tasks a parent faces. At CareforKids.com.au, our sole mission is to assist you with finding the right care for your children.
    CareforKids.com.au is Australia's most comprehensive child care resource. We provide access to thousands of child care operators Australia wide.
    Save time and effort by using us to research all the child care options in your local area.
    Whatever your child care needs, we can help. CareforKids.com.au works closely with the child care industry to provide you with useful information to assist your search for quality child care.
    We are the gateway to child care centres, family day care facilities, pre-schools and before and after school care services.
    If you are searching for a babysitter, nanny or au pair, you alsoneed look no further. Here you can also investigate and contactregistered child care agencies to accommodate your needs.
    As a parent you only want the very best for your children and being well informed is essential to making the right decision.
    We regularly help tens of thousands of parents find and access child care services and we look forward to doing the same for you.
    2. Early ChildhoodConnections - Centre for Community Health  超多internet链接, 有兴趣的父母可以随便翻翻
    The Centre for Community Child Health - Early Childhood Connections is anAustralian
    website, containing more than 400 Australian and 350 International websitelinks. These
    links are collated alphabetically and in submenus to provide easy viewing andaccess to
    the most up to date information for professionals and parents interested in therenewed
    emphasis on the early childhood years.
    Website:   www.ecconnections.com.au
    [ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-24 23:03 编辑 ]
    回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    15

    主题

    327

    帖子

    771

    积分

    高级会员

    Rank: 4

    积分
    771
    发表于 2014-6-10 15:20:37 | 显示全部楼层

    The Australian Government recognises the impact of child care fees and has two measures to help families with the cost of approved quality child care.
    These are:
    §
  • Child Care Benefit* - This is a means-tested payment
    based on a family’s income so that it is targeted to


    people most in need of additional financial assistance.

    §
  • The Child Care Tax Rebate**- This payment provides
    additional assistance for working families who use approved


    childcare by covering half of all their out-of-pocket approved


    childcare costs, up to a maximum of $7500 per child per


    year.The Child Care Tax Rebate is not income-tested and


    can now be paid quarterly.

    * To get Child Care Benefit you must meet Australian Government residency
    and immunisation requirements and have responsibility for the payment of
    your child care costs.
    ** To get the Child Care Tax Rebate you must have used approved child care, been
    eligible for ChildCare Benefit (entitled at a rate of zero or more) and passed the Child CareBenefit work, training, study test (for the purposes of the rebate).
    [ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-24 22:20 编辑 ]
  • 回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    15

    主题

    327

    帖子

    771

    积分

    高级会员

    Rank: 4

    积分
    771
    发表于 2014-6-10 15:43:19 | 显示全部楼层

  • Find vacancies 查询空位幼儿园的电话
    Australian Government Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305 from 8.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday.
    1800 670 305 for a translating service 翻译服务的电话

    * child care availability
    * fee information where provided by childcare services
    * location of child care services
    * types of care available
    * how to choose a child care service
    * how the Government assists with the cost of child care.

  • To find out what you are entitled to you can:

    * accessonline services at familyassist.gov.au

    * call 13 6150 between 8am and 8pm(local time) Monday to Friday 政府补助的电话,

    * emailthrough familyassist.gov.au

    * visit aFamily Assistance Office(located in Medicare Offices, Centrelink CustomerService Centres)

    13 12 02 if youneed information in a language other than English  其他语言服务

  • NCAC 的电话可以询问怎样挑选高质量幼儿园
    Parents, grandparents and other family members regularly telephone NCAC to ask questions about child care. NCAC has compiled the most frequently asked questions from families and NCAC's Child Care Advisers have prepared responses.
    Telephone: (02) 8260 1900 or 1300 136 554 (for callers outside Sydney)
    Telephone Translating Service forcalls in languages other than English: 131 450
    The NCAC officeis open during normal business hours - Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm (NSW Time). The office is closed on public holidays in NSW.

    NCACF amily Information Kit
    to order 免费 的quality childcare information kit.  
    [ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-24 23:04 编辑 ]
  • 回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    15

    主题

    327

    帖子

    771

    积分

    高级会员

    Rank: 4

    积分
    771
    发表于 2014-6-10 16:44:30 | 显示全部楼层

    本版风玲斑竹原创
    2,3岁的孩子刚开始上幼儿园,都会有一个适应期,这种情况很普遍,即使是本地孩子,适应能力弱一点的孩子也一样会有分离焦虑和较长的适应期。孩子从家到幼儿园,相当于跨出了走入社会的第一步,刚开始会比较辛苦的,家长多配合孩子调整情绪,解释道理,相信慢慢就可以适应了。适应期的长短因人而异,相对来说,比较自信,active的孩子会更容易适应新环境。另外,lowself-esteem的孩子,平常跟父母有很好的attachment的孩子,都会更容易有分离焦虑(seperation anxiety)。
    简单说几点帮助的办法:前面蓝月亮mm提出了很多从客观方面考虑的因素,很全面,我这里就不多补充了,只补充一点,申请做做义工或class mum,可以在班上帮忙服务,观察孩子的表现,有助于发现问题。
    下面介绍一些从主观方面考虑的因素,提高孩子自身的适应能力,我认为这更重要,对孩子也会更有帮助。
    1. 心理辅导
    以前我说过,一旦孩子遇到不开心或者困难,家长首先要想到的事就是心理辅导,帮助孩子顺利度过难关,这样可以增强心理承受力以及亲子关系。给孩子找一些有关幼儿园的书,一起讲讲故事,比如故事里包括小朋友在幼儿园快乐地交朋友,一起玩等。或者一起聊聊天,多给予鼓励。快3岁已经可以迈出走入社会的第一步了,这一关总是要过的,不过爸爸妈妈都会帮助他,要让孩子了解这些并做好这么做的心理准备。
    2.  语言方面我不认为家长一定要在家跟孩子讲英文,不过需要家长告诉孩子一些平常必用的英文的讲法,比如:I want to go to thetoilet, 或者简单点说wee, wee, poo, poo。 另外,I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, I'm cold,She pushed me, 等日常必用的要学会。
    另外,每天给孩子读读简单的英文故事书,教唱英文儿歌,有利于培养语感,适应幼儿园的活动。孩子在参与活动的时候,也更容易有自信。
    3. 培养自信心(self-esteem)
    平常有时间多带孩子出去玩,比如公园,游乐场,city等,跟同龄孩子一起玩,所谓见多识广,会对培养自信有好处。平常多鼓励,采取民主的家庭管理方式。放手让孩子自己去做一些决定,自己explore the environment等,都有助于培养自信。
    4. 教孩子一些社会交往能力(social skills)
    在幼儿园,一定要遵从这里的一些社会规则,比如跟老师greeting,伴随eye-contact,如果孩子比较Shy,不一定要一次达成,每次去的时候都要鼓励孩子这么做,慢慢就可以了。比如早晨到了,要叫孩子跟老师say hello,要看着老师的眼睛,走的时候,要去跟每个老师say goodbye等。另外就是跟别的孩子玩的时候,turn taking,sharing等一定要会。
    还有,教孩子保护自己的能力。如果有别的孩子欺负你,要把手竖到那个孩子的面前大声说STOP! 语言好的可以加上:I don't like it.  或 You're hurting me。然后告诉老师。
    Helping your Child Adjust to Child Care
                   
    You've just started your child in care. It's the first day however things go wrong and your child protests loudly when its' time for you to say goodbye.
    Many children experience anxiety when starting a new child care arrangement but there is plenty you can do to make the transition as stress free as possible for you and your child.
    Here are a few tips:
                                           
  • Prepare your child by talking to them in advance, tell them where they will be going, what they will be doing.
  • Take your child to visit the provider or carer's home on a few occasions before you need to leave them for the first time. Show your child where they will be going. Answer any questions they may have openly and honestly reassuring them that everything is OK.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of time so that you can help your child to settle into an activity before you have to head off to work.They are less likely to protest your departure if they are having fun and involved with an activity.
  • Familiar objects such as a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket should be on hand. Your child may find it easier to adjust to a particular care situation having a favoured toy to hold when feeling anxious or upset.
  • Try and allocate enough time so you aren't rushing to sign in and settle your child into an activity.
  • Pay attention to your own body language when saying good bye toyour child. If you're feeling uncertain about the new arrangement you could be conveying some of your own anxiety to your child.
  • Resist the temptation to sneak out the door while your child isn't looking. You'll simply create more problems for both of you. Fearing that you're going to disappear again, your child may become unwilling to let you out of sight for a minute – even when you are at home.
  • If your child reacts strongly see if your partner or a trusted friend can drop the child off instead. They might actually be protesting your departure more than the particular child care environment.
  • Ask your child's carer if they can provide insights about the problem. For instance maybe the child doesn't like one of the other children in the group or is having difficulty settling down for an afternoon nap.
  • Consistency is important so stick to a routine. Avoid making other changes to your child's routine while getting used to a new child care arrangement. For example this would not be a good time to move them from a cot to a bed.
  • Accept the fact that it takes time for young children to adjust to a new child care setting and some children take longer than others.
  • Be alert to the possibility of an underlying problem. If your child hasn't settled into his arrangement after a couple of weeks, it may just be a poor choice for your child. This doesn't necessarily mean that abuse is occurring. The problem could be something as simple as a personality conflict between your child and a caregiver.
    Settling into Childcare
    While the good news is that most children settleinto child care without too much concern, there are some instances where little ones simply can't cope. Here are a few pointers on what to do about separation anxiety.
    For most parents, introducing a little one to formal day care is a daunting and emotional time. In fact, it's probably fair to say that we embark on this new adventure with the expectation of some tearful goodbyes. So how can we ease the anxiety associated with this important transition and what should we do if the tears just don't subside?
    Plan Ahead
    Angie Bailison, a parenting consultant and specialist in school preparation programs, says parents and children benefit from lots of research,communication and the chance to gradually familiarise their child with alternate carers and the care setting.
    'It is not at all easy leaving your child with another person so I normally suggest that parents try leaving their baby with trusted family or friends for a few hours from a very young age,' she says. 'Giving your child time to adjust to other carers well in advance of them starting care is a great way to alleviate separation anxiety.'
    Macquarie University Institute of Early Childhood Lecturer Dr Frances Gibson agrees that while separation anxiety is a normal stage of development, there is a turning point when little ones are more sensitive to the absence of their parents.
    'The age of two to six months is seen as a period of "attachment-in-the-making,where infants signal particular people and recognise their parents, but from six months onwards they begin to display clear separation anxiety when their parent leaves them,' she explains.
    'Separation anxiety really starts as the infant becomes more mobile. Children need to explore and play to learn and develop, but they also need to know how to signal their primary caregiver and be confident that the person will come and help them.Separation anxiety is a healthy, protective thing. It's saying, "Hey,you're important to me, you're my safe base, and you're the person I can count on. That's why it's so important for children who are going into care to begiven the opportunity to develop confidence and trust in alternate carers from an early age.'
    Research your Options
    Researching the various types of care available within your community and speaking with staff about their care culture, policies and procedures is another way in which parents can pre-empt any concerns and identify the most suitable setting for their child.
    Bailison believes the research process is critical to finding the perfect solution.'Understanding your child's individual needs and identifying a care setting that responds to those needs is the first essential step,' she explains.'Different types of care suit different children. Some children are happy to be around large groups of people and are very adaptable to different people caring for them. Therefore, centre based care, with more than one staff member and more than five children, is a great option for them. Children who are more overwhelmed by large crowds and tend to stay closer to their familiar caregivers are sometimes best to start off in a care setting such as family daycare, which is a smaller home-based environment.'

    Make a Gradual Transition
    Once a care setting has been selected, Bailison recommends a gentle transition that starts with a few visits to the centre each week with mum or dad, followed by increasing periods of separation. 'Arrange with the centre for you to have some settling time with your child so they can get to know the carers and the environment while you are there to support them. If possible, you should visit the centre together more than once a week because a full week between visits isa long time for your child to remember the people and setting. Once they appear more confident in their surroundings, it is great to start by leaving your child for three to four hours before slowly building to a full day,' she says.
    Dr Gibson agrees that transition with parental supervision is essential: 'Experts suggest that parents should stay at the centre for a period of time over a few weeks and slowly withdraw themselves rather than leaving abruptly.'
    To date there has only been a small amount of research on what is abrupt and what is lenient. According to Dr Gibson, abrupt would be something under an hour for a toddler who is unfamiliar with the carer and environment. However, each child may have a different threshold for what is experienced as an abrupt parent departure.
    Keep up the Communication
    Communication between parent, child and staff is also critical in helping children and parents adjust to this new arrangement. Bailison says positive conversation with your child about their new carers and the centre prior to each visit will prepare them for the day and convey your confidence in the care environment.
    She says, 'Like adults, children need to be reassured. They need to hear that they will enjoy being with their new friends and carers. It's a good idea for parents to explain the daily routine and to let them know when you'll be backto pick them up. Sometimes parents sneak out or linger with their child toolong and this usually upsets the child as they are getting mixed messages.'
    Bailison also emphasises the importance of parents maintaining open communication with staff. 'It is vital for parents to have trust that the carer will be honest if their child is not happy and to what degree. Talk to the carer about their favourite games and toys, and offer suggestions about distractions which may help your child to forget about being without you.'
    Dr Gibson observes that children themselves may use a variety of self comforting behaviours when they feel lonely, tired or anxious and one of these might bethe use of "transitional objects. 'Children will often find their sense of autonomy, independence and feeling of security through favoured objects. You have to call them objects as they are not always toys and blankets, sometimes they are bits of cotton or rubber. These transitional objects are seen to represent something safe, something secure, their family, some part of their base. Children will often be comforted by taking these objects with them to preschool or day care so by all means encourage them to do so.'

    What if the Tears don't Subside?
    While the good news is that most children settle into care without too much concern, there are some instances where little ones simply can't cope with separation anxiety. Parents will naturally be especially attentive to theirchild's behaviour during this time and actively communicate their concerns with centre staff.
    Some warning signals to look out for include:
  • Persistent crying throughout the day while in care and not being able to be comforted or     distracted by the carer
  • Afraid of going to care or afraid of a carer
  • Extreme changes in their mood or behaviour every time they go to or are collected from care
  • Not eating or drinking for long periods of time
  • Regression in their development, nightmares during the night, and wetting or soiling pants     when they have been toilet trained for a long time.
    Bailison says that if your child has been attending care more than one day a week for at least a month and is not settling, it is a good time to schedule a meeting with the carers to review the issues and options.
    'Sometimes the issue may simply be a clash of personality between your child and the main carer, and you may find your child is fine with an alternate carer,' she explains. 'It is an essential first step to discuss these options with the service but if your child is still unhappy then you must trust your instinct and perhaps try a different type of care.
    '
    Most importantly though, parents should take comfort in knowing that they are doing a tremendous job caring for their little one and that separation anxiety is perfectly normal. The reality is that some children just need the right environment and a little more time to develop trust and confidence in someone other than their beloved parents.
    [ 本帖最后由 蓝月亮 于 2009-5-25 20:51 编辑 ]
  • 回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    2

    主题

    72

    帖子

    192

    积分

    正式会员

    Rank: 2

    积分
    192
    发表于 2014-6-10 17:32:34 | 显示全部楼层

    真好的帖子,收藏了,谢谢!
    回复 支持 反对

    使用道具 举报

    发表回复

    您需要登录后才可以回帖 登录 | 立即注册

    本版积分规则

    联系客服 关注微信 下载APP 返回顶部 返回列表