I had my kids in family daycare for precisely this reason. I like the idea of my boys (2 years age difference) growing up together. If they were in a daycare centre then they would be separated most of the day into age-groups. I want them to have a strong bond together and that was why I chose family daycare, where the carer has 4 children under the age of 5 (two of them were mine).
The boys are now 6 and 4 and are very close - I really think that being in daycare together (fulltime, as I work and am a single Mum) really helped their bond.
Hi,
Most daycare centres do family grouping in the morning and afternoons when the child numbers are smaller and the staff are arriving or going home. I have never heard of a centre doing it all day though.
I'd be interested in seeing what they provide in their program. I'd be worried the older kids would be missing out too, if staff find it easier not to get out activities that could be unsuitable for younger kids.
Nothing like a cuddle from DD after a hard day's work!
Oct 2007
in my own world
3,267
I can see pros and cons of this idea because DD seems to be soo intrigued with older kids (than kids her age group)
but i am also worried about the issue with activities being understimulated but the carer said leave it up to them as they assess the kids and will provide activities accordingly
I am able to observe for a couple of days but DH isnt buying the idea at all because he thinks DD will be pushed by the older kids.
Just a quick one: You say the ratio is one staff member to 5 kids? How many kids do they actually have in each room? That would make a huge difference to me. I'd be worried about a 20 mth old being lost in 15 kids even if there are 3 staff there.
Nothing like a cuddle from DD after a hard day's work!
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