When Would You Transition From In-Home Care To Childcare Centre

[fionas]

We are very lucky that we are eligible for in-home care for DD because DP is a shiftworker so on average we need our carer on average about 8 hours per week. So although the hourly rate is expensive, we don't use very much so it's very affordable for us.

So we could keep going with that until DD goes to school basically but I'm wondering at what point it would be beneficial for her to socialise with other kids at a childcare centre.

She's currently 15 months old so there is no point yet. I take her to a Mothers Group and none of them are interested in playing with each other and I really believe at the moment that one-on-one care is best for her.

But at what age do they really start learning to play/share?

[Ca Plane Pour Moi]

DS was in childcare at 13 months and playing with others by 15. He has become a lot more aware of other children and able to play now.

Sharing... I've seen a 2yo's version of sharing. (Put your cup down and swallow the drink now.)

See a child play with a toy.
Want the toy.
Take the toy.
Tell other child "Share!"
Run off knowing you're in the right.

I think about late2-early3-ish they start to need friends and stuff like that, but early childcare isn't detrimental - so long as you get the right one!

[luna moth]

If you've got the choice... I'd say 3.
Given the August birthday, I would comfortably say from the start of the year she turns three. If you put your name down now at some of the good centres in your area, you'd probably get in. PM me if you want some names.
But the next year would be OK too. That would be 3 year old kinder year, right? (Maths SO not my thing.)

[Tobily]

We moved Emily from family day care into a centre when she'd just turned 3. It was perfect timing, she was soooo ready for it and loved it from day one.

Toby is two now and still in FDC, we had 3 in mind for him too, and judging by how he is now I think he'll probably be ready to move then as well.