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In Singapore, it is common for children to spend a significant portion of the day outside of their homes during school hours. There are many arrangements that can be made to ensure your child is safe and well cared for while they are away from you, such as having a close family member or friend look after them or enrolling them in an after-school care program. With so many choices available, where do you start? This article serves to help parents find the right place for their child to spend their after-school hours.
How do I find an after-school care service provider that offers the best fit for my child?
If you are making the decision to enroll your child in an after school student care centre, you will need to identify specific criteria related to how your child behaves, responds, and thrives at home. These qualities and characteristics can be a great indicator of how they will deal with other children at playgroups or schools as well. Below are 3 tips to consider when choosing the best match for your child.
1. How does my child react to change?
It is strongly advised that children who struggle with change or anxiety should be enrolled in a care program that is scheduled and structured in a manner that has been created for them. Typically, this type of environment works best for children who love doing the same thing over and over again during their after-school hours. The structure of after-school activities provides an opportunity for children to become familiar with the place where they are spending their time, which can help them feel at ease.
2. What are the involved costs for taking care of my child?
If your child is enrolled in an after-school program, there will be some charge for their care, and a portion of the cost will be included in the fee. The more care providers that are employed at the childcare centre, the more children they can take care of at one time. Ultimately, the higher the number of children they can look after and cater to during their after-school hours.
3. Accessibility
Your child’s after-school program should be able to offer easy and reliable access to their program in order to avoid any unnecessary stress during their commute. Being able to commute to the center in a timely manner will help your child get into a routine of being punctual and prepared for their daily activities.
4. Continuity of Care
The longer your child is in an after-school program, the more trustworthy they will become and gradually become more independent. When they are ready to stop attending their after-school care center, they should be able to consolidate their time spent there into a single week. This enables them to move on from childcare easily by enrolling in another after-school program later on.
Conclusion
After-school care is an important part of your child’s day, and selecting the right place to spend their after-school hours can have a positive impact on their overall well-being. By following these 3 tips, you will have a better idea of where you should start in finding your child a suitable after-school childcare program. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine what the best choice is for your child.
