Childcare centres have family grouping in the mornings and afternoons when the numbers are lower - mine normally runs this until about 8am when more staff come on and the majority of children start arriving.
Centres must abide by the regulations regarding numbers in these groups, mixed aged grouping is 7:1 ratio, with limits on the numbers of certain ages in the group.
I haven't actually heard of centres who run this all day long, except under extreme circumstances, like in very quiet periods when numbers are very low.
Does this centre not have any other groups at all? What does the information pack say about their grouping? I cannot imagine having infants with 4 year olds all day long, very difficult to provide quality of care to all children involved.
Licensing differs from state to state, but I know in Qld and WA there are a small number of Centres that are licensed for smaller groups e.g. max 21 chn, that run family grouping scenarios as you've mentioned. Usually you will find they can have a limited number in each age group within that one group i.e. no more than 4 chn under 2yrs, 8 chn aged 2 - 3 yrs etc. I am plucking numbers out of my head mind you as it's been a few years since I've been involved in Licensing - just wanted to give an example! A balanced program/equipment can be provided for the children, provided the staff are the right staff and dedicated to their job - just as in any Centre! You might find the age groups even though sharing the same environment, do quite seperate experiences/ utilise play spaces seperately/ generally the younger ones might eat and sleep seperately....it's all up to each individual centre.
It doesn't sound like the carer explained the programming very well either - ask for much more info! As for 'assessing' each child, all centres do that in the form of observing, planning and evaluating, and this can be done when running a mixed age group. E.g. when the toddlers are sleeping you might find the preschoolers doing threading or beading etc to minimise risks. When it is well planned and implemented, this kind of care can work really well, and be more like a family day care/mixed age grouping setting, but if not managed well it can always turn into a mess. Like any long day care centre!
It might pay to observe for a few days, and if you can, do some of the observing at drop off and pick up times and approach parents of other younger chn in the group and ask how they find it. Check their accreditation status and history also.......or, if it's ringing alarm bells for you and DH maybe just look for a different model of care, as you both have to be completely comfortable with leaving her there.
Nothing like a cuddle from DD after a hard day's work!
Oct 2007
in my own world
3,267
Thank you all.
TBH, i actually forgot what she told me about the family grouping but it is definitely for the whole day.
They have a max of 5 kids per carer apparently AND the thing is this is a LOCAL COUNCIL CC! The Family grouping thing was only implemented 15months ago apparently so maybe its something new?
Not sure. We will definitely have to check it out first to see whether or not that type of environment suits DD.
It works quite well in the family day care model, where there is only one carer and one group of children. My DD1 has grown up with children of different ages and socialises very well with people of all ages. HTH
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