Developmental Psychology Related to Childcare - Essay Example

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY RELATED TO CHILD-CAREEffects of Childcare on a newborn’s overall development: Thousands of children from 0 to 5 years spend the main part of their day in child care facilities, as both parents or single mothers work outside the home. A newborn’s potential for physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional growth is best realized in its own home, with care and nurturing by its parents, especially the mother. On the other hand, research has shown that in high quality child care facilities, the child develops normally, and benefits from the group environment and social interactions with care-givers and peer group.

The child’s requirement for individual attention, love, caring, and stimulating interaction need to be fulfilled by day-care staff who are well trained, and help the child to attain his developmental milestones in all aspects. Even in poor-quality child care, newborns grow and toddlers benefit from the educational and social experiences. On the down-side, in a poor quality child care environment, the infant faces the risk of being neglected, and consequently physical, social and cognitive development are slow.

His ability to form and maintain attachments even with his parents, is low. Such children may grow up to be school drop-outs, and are susceptible to substance abuse and other addictions. Advice to parents who are deciding the issue of childcare for their child: The first option should be that one of the parents stays home to take care of the child. Alternately, asking a relative to provide the care, can be considered. Personalized care is critical to the child’s well-being and development.

The last option would be to select a nationally accredited high quality child-care center. The parents need to personally observe the activities at the facility, speak to the staff, and satisfy themselves on all aspects of the care provided. The care-givers should be enthusiastic, interacting and playing with their wards. The children should be well taken care of, clean and in safe environment. The staff should maintain hygiene, and keep the environment cheerful. They should be well-trained in child development and growth mile-stones, so should be able to recognize any abnormalities.

I agree that the child-care arrangements should be consistent. The child-care option that the parents decide on after thoroughly assessing all the possibilities, should be continued on a regular basis. Having the child at home when the parents are at home should be prioritized. Multiple facilities for various times of the day would have an adverse effect on the child. Loving care should be given to the baby at home, and developing attachment to the parents should be worked on. The critical child-care years are few and fly by very fast, so the parents would do well to give priority to their child at this time.

They will be rewarded when they see the child grow up to be well-adjusted and free from academic or social problems.