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Choosing quality care that is in a healthy and safe environment should be your number one priority. Expect for child care that stimulates and encourages your kid's physical, intellectual, and social growth. Go along your child's age and personality in mind when looking for the program that all-time meets his needs. Understanding what makes your child feel secure and knowing the activities he enjoys and volition learn from volition brand a departure in your concluding child care decision.

Personality

Each child has his own personality and responds to caregivers or experiences differently. Just like adults, children may have outgoing, shy, or even-tempered natures. Your caregiver should exist in tune with your child's special personality and care for your child in a positive and caring mode that agrees with his special personality. This is crucial to nurturing his good for you emotional growth. By understanding your child's personality, y'all and your caregiver tin can help him succeed by offering care, activities, and subject field that best fit his needs.

Developmental stages

As your kid grows, you may find yourself searching for clues to her behavior. As a parent, you may hear the words "developmental stages." This is just some other mode of proverb your child is moving through a sure time period in the growing-upward process. At times, she may be fascinated with her hands, her feet, and her oral cavity. Equally she grows, she may get into everything. Lock your doors and cabinets, and take a deep breath during those exploration years! Then at that place will be an age when independence is all she wants. At every stage, what she needs is your love, understanding, and fourth dimension.

Parent Tip

Contempo brain research indicates that nativity to age three are the nearly important years in a child'due south development. Here are some tips to consider during your child's early years:

Be warm, loving, and responsive.
Talk, read, and sing to your child.
Institute routines and rituals.
Encourage safe explorations and play.
Make TV watching selective.
Use discipline as an opportunity to teach.
Recognize that each child is unique.
Choose quality child care and stay involved.
Take care of yourself.

For more information, visit the Offset 5 California Parents' Site

Learning styles

Children acquire in many dissimilar means. Each kid has his own fashion of learning—some larn visually, others through touch on, gustatory modality, and sound. Watch a grouping of children and you'll empathise at one time what this means. 1 kid will sit down and heed patiently, another cannot wait to move and count chaplet. Another wants you lot to show her the respond over and over. Children also larn in different ways depending on their developmental phase. One thing we know is all children dear to learn new things by exploring and discovering. Children love to solve problems during play and in daily activities.

Look for a child intendance provider who understands children's learning styles and includes reading, learning numbers, fine art activities, rhyming, and problem solving in your child's daily activities. Also, find out how your provider encourages your kid to empathize and benefit from daily activities and experiences.

Tips for looking for a child intendance provider during the first 18 months of life

Look for a provider who:

Is warm and friendly.
Interacts with your infant and has middle contact.
Talks to your babe while diapering.
Includes your baby in activities, simply keeps her prophylactic from older children.
Avoids the use of walkers.
Has feeding and sleeping practices similar to yours.
Allows the infant to consume and sleep whenever she wishes rather than follow a schedule.

Ages and stages

Depending upon the historic period of your child, his learning style and personality, your child will have different needs. The first v years are particularly crucial for physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development. Keep your child's personality and age in mind when looking for child care experiences and activities. The following pages provide insight into a child'southward developmental stages from birth through fourteen years.

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Birth to 18 months: an overview

In the outset eighteen months after birth, an infant makes miraculous progress. In this relatively curt time bridge, an infant sees her world through her senses. Babies gather information through bear on, taste, smell, sight, and audio. To help infants mature and learn, the caregiver should stimulate but not overwhelm them. The overall goal is not to "teach" your baby but to collaborate and explore her globe with her. Older infants are on the motility. They take peachy pleasure in discovering what they can practise with their phonation, easily, anxiety, and toes. Before long they practice rolling skills, crawling, walking, and other bang-up physical adventures. Through "the optics of a child," hither is what y'all might expect during the first 18 months.

One month

What I'grand Similar: I can't back up my ain head and I'm awake about one hour in every x (though information technology may seem more than).

What I Need: I need milk, a smoke-free environs, a warm place to slumber, hugs and kisses, and to hear your loving vox. It's not too early to sing or read to me. The more you talk and introduce different things to me, the more I learn.

Three months

What I'm Like: My easily and feet fascinate me. I'll express joy and coo at them and you. I'm alarm for 15 minutes, maybe longer, at a time. I love to listen to yous talk and read to me.

What I Need: Talk to me, feed me, and sing to me. My favorite songs are lullabies. Caress me. I demand fresh air, a ride in a stroller. Give me things to pull and teethe on.

Five months

What I'm Similar: I may be able to roll over and sit down with support. I can agree my own toys. I blubbering and am alert for two hours at a fourth dimension. I can eat most baby nutrient. Put toys only out of my reach and I volition try to reach them. I like to run across what I expect like and what I am doing.

What I Need: Brand sure I'm safety equally I'm learning to crawl. I demand happy sounds, and I like to exist nigh you lot. Dance with me, tickle me, and tell me about the globe you see.

Nine months

What I'grand Like: I'm busy! I similar to explore everything! I crawl, sit, pull on article of furniture, grasp objects, and empathize simple commands. I like to be with other babies and I react to their happiness and sadness.

What I Need: I need locks on cabinets with medicines, household cleaners, or other dangerous things. Put away modest sharp objects. I demand touches, nutritious food, and educational toys to go on me busy.

Twelve months

What I'm Like: I may be able to pull myself up and sidestep around article of furniture. I may begin walking. I make lots of sounds and say "Mama" and "Dada." I'm curious about flowers, ants, grass, stones, bugs, and dirt. I like to get messy, 'cause that's how I learn. My fingers want to touch everything. I like to play near others close to my age but non ever with them. If I'm walking, delight walk at my pace.

What I Need: I need lots of cuddling and encouragement. I need a safe place to move around every bit I will exist getting into anything I can go my hands on. Read to me again and once more. Sing our favorite songs. Requite me freedom to do near things—until I need help. So please stay almost.

Twelve to eighteen months

What I'm Similar: I similar to eat with a spoon, even if I spill. And I will spill, spill, spill. I volition explore everything loftier and depression, so please go along me safe. I may have atmosphere tantrums because I take no other way of expressing my feelings or frustrations. Sometimes I'm fearful and cling to you. I like to have evening routines: music, story, and bath fourth dimension. I like balls, blocks, pull toys, push toys, take apart toys, put together toys, and cuddles. Sometimes I say "No" and mean it. By eighteen months I can walk well past myself, although I fall a lot. I may jump. I say lots of words, especially the word "mine"—considering everything is mine! I like it when we play outside or go to a park. I similar being with other children. I try to take off my shoes and socks. I similar to build with blocks.

What I Need: Allow me touch on things. Let me try new things with your help, if I need it. I need firm limits and consistency. Please requite me praise. The more you talk with me, the earlier I volition tell you how I feel and what I need. I need y'all to observe me and to understand why I'm upset or mad. I need your understanding and patience. I want a routine. I need you to not mind the mess I sometimes brand. I need you to say I'm sorry if yous fabricated a mistake. And delight read to me over and over again!

The Toddler's Creed

If I want it, information technology'due south mine. If I requite it to you and change my listen later, it's mine. If I take it away from you lot, information technology's mine. If it's mine it will never belong to everyone else, no thing what. If nosotros are edifice something together, all the pieces are mine. If it looks just similar mine, it's mine.

Eighteen months through two years: an overview

During the side by side stage of life, your kid is get-go to define himself. Await for kid care activities that spur his imagination and vocabulary. During the toddler years, children get into everything, so practice your best to keep your kid rubber from a potential accident. Nevertheless, realize accidents practise happen even to the most conscientious parents and children.

When looking for quality care for your toddler, consider:

Is the child care setting prophylactic and does it provide pocket-sized group sizes and adult-to-child ratios?
Are there enough toys and activities so sharing isn't a problem?
Are in that location a lot of toys for edifice which can be put together?
Is there a dress-upwards expanse?
Do art activities let the children the freedom to make their own fine art or do all crafts look the same?
And last, what are the toilet training and discipline practices of the provider?

Two years

What I'm Like: I am loving, affectionate, and responsive to others. I experience sorry or pitiful when others my age are upset. I may even like to please you. I don't need you and then close for protection, simply please don't go too far away. I may do the exact opposite of what you want. I may be rigid, non willing to wait or give in. I may even be bossy. "Me" is one of my favorite words. I may take fears, especially of sounds, separation, moving household objects, or that big dog.

What I Need: I demand to continue exploring the globe, downwards the block, the parks, library, and stores, etc. I like my routines. If y'all have to change them, do and then slowly. I demand you to notice what I practise well and PRAISE me. Give me two OK choices to distract me when I begin to say "No." I demand you to exist in control and make decisions when I'm unable to do so. I do better when you program alee. Be House with me about the rules, only At-home when I forget or disagree. And please exist patient considering I am doing my best to delight you, fifty-fifty though I may not act that manner.

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Iii through five years: an overview

During the preschool years, your kid will be incredibly busy. Cutting, pasting, painting, and singing are all daily activities. When your child starts kindergarten around age five, brand sure habitation and kid care activities include learning numbers, letters, and uncomplicated directions. Virtually public school kindergarten programs are normally merely a few hours a day. Yous may need care before and after school. It is never too early to begin your search.

When looking for quality intendance for your preschooler, consider:

Are at that place other children the same age or close in age to your child?
Is at that place space for climbing, running, and jumping?
Are there books and learning activities to prepare your child for school?
Is television and movie watching selective?
Are learning materials and teaching styles age-advisable and respectful of children'due south cultural and ethnic heritage?
Are caregivers experienced and trained in early on childhood development?
Are children given choices to do and acquire things for themselves?
Are children rushed to consummate activities or tasks?
Or are they given enough time to work at their own pace?

Three years

What I'm Like: Watch out! I am charged with physical energy. I do things on my own terms. My mind is a sponge. Reading and socializing are essential in getting me ready for school. I like to pretend a lot and relish scribbling on everything. I am full of questions, many of which are "Why?" I become fairly reliable about using the potty. I may stay dry at night and may not. Playing and trying new things out are how I larn. Sometimes I similar to share. I brainstorm to mind more and brainstorm to empathize how to solve bug for myself.

What I Need: I want to know most everything and understand words, and when encouraged, I volition employ words instead of grabbing, crying, or pushing. Play with me, sing to me, and let's pretend!

Four years

What I'grand Like: I'm in an agile stage, running, hopping, jumping, and climbing. I love to question "Why?" and "How?" I'yard interested in numbers and the world effectually me. I savor playing with my friends. I like to be creative with my drawings, and I may like my pictures to be different from anybody else's. I'm curious virtually "sleepovers" merely am not sure if I'thou ready yet. I may desire to exist just like my older sister or brother. I am proud that I am so BIG now!

What I Need: I need to explore, to attempt out, and to test limits. Giving me room to grow doesn't mean letting me practice everything. I need reasonable limits set for my own protection and for others. Allow me know clearly what is or isn't to be expected. I need to learn to give and have and play well with others. I need to be read to, talked to, and listened to. I need to be given choices and to learn things in my ain manner. Label objects and describe what's happening to me so I can learn new words and things.

5 years

What I'k Like: I'yard slowing a little in growth. I have good motor command, but my small muscles aren't as developed as my large muscles for jumping. My activity level is high and my play has direction. I similar writing my name, drawing pictures, making projects, and going to the library. I'm more than interested now in doing group activities, sharing things and my feelings. I similar repose time away from the other kids from time to time. I may be anxious to begin kindergarten.

What I Need: I need the opportunity for plenty of agile play. I need to do things for myself. I like to have choices in how I learn new things. Only most of all, I need your love and balls that I'm important. I need time, patience, agreement, and 18-carat attention. I am learning about who I am and how I fit in with others. I need to know how I am doing in a positive style. I understand more about things and how they work, so you lot can give me a more detailed answer. I have a big imagination and pretend a lot. Although I'm becoming taller, your lap is still one of my favorite places.

Six through eight years: an overview

Children at this age have busy days filled with recess, homework, and tear-jerking fights with their friends. They begin to think and plan ahead. They take a thou questions. This historic period grouping has proficient and bad days just similar adults. Get set, because it'south only the starting time!

When looking for quality care for your school-age child, consider:

Is the staff or provider trained to piece of work with school-age children?
Is there space for sports activities, climbing, running, and jumping?
Are there materials that will interest your child?
Is television and movie watching selective?
Is at that place a quiet identify to practice homework or read?
Is transportation available?

Six years

What I'k Like: Affectionate and excited over school, I go eagerly nigh of the fourth dimension. I am cocky-centered and can exist quite demanding. I call up of myself equally a big child now. I tin can be impatient, wanting my demands to exist met At present. Nevertheless I may take forever to do ordinary things. I similar to be with older children more than with younger ones. I often accept one shut friend, and sometimes we will exclude a third child.

What I Need: This might be my first year in existent school. Although it'due south fun, it'southward besides scary. I need you to provide a rubber place for me. Routines and consistency are important. Don't take my beliefs one day and correct me for the same behavior tomorrow. Ready and explain rules about daily routines like playtime and bedtime. I need your praise for what I am doing well. Since I may become to before-and subsequently-school care, help me get organized the night before. Make sure I have everything set for school.

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7 years

What I'm Like: I am often more quiet and sensitive to others than I was at six. Sometimes I can exist mean to others my historic period and younger. I may injure their feelings, but I really don't mean to. I tend to be more polite and amusing to adult suggestions. By now I am conscious of my schoolwork and am beginning to compare my work and myself with others. I want my schoolwork to expect "right." If I make mistakes, I tin can easily become frustrated.

What I Need: I need to tell you about my experiences, and I demand the attention of other adult listeners. I really want you lot to listen to me and empathize my feelings. Please don't put me downwards or tell me I can't practise information technology—help me to learn in a positive way. Please check my homework and reading assignments. Let me go over to my friends and play when possible. I still need hugs, kisses, and a bedtime story.

Eight years

What I'chiliad Like: My curiosity and eagerness to explore new things continues to grow. Friends are more of import. I savour playing and being with peers. Recess may be my favorite "subject" in school. I may follow you around the firm just to detect out how you lot experience and think, particularly about me. I am also beginning to exist aware of adults as individuals and am curious about what they practise at piece of work. Around the house or at child care, I can exist quite helpful.

What I Need: My concept of an independent self has been developing. I assert my individuality, and there are bound to be conflicts. I am expected to learn and read and to get along with others. I demand support in my efforts and so that I will have a desire for achievement. Your expectations will have a big impact on me. If I am not doing well in school, explain to me that anybody learns at a different footstep, and that tiny improvements make a difference. Tell me that the most important thing is to practise my all-time. You tin can ask my teachers for ways to help me at home. Bug in reading and writing should be handled now to avoid more problem later. And busy eight-twelvemonth-olds are usually hungry!

9 through eleven years: an overview

Children from nine to eleven are like the socks they buy, with a great range of stretch. Some are yet "little kids" and others are quite mature. Some are already inbound puberty, with torso, emotions, and attitude changes during this stage. Parents need to take these changes into business relationship when they are choosing child treat this age group. These children brainstorm to think logically and like to work on existent tasks, such as mowing lawns or baking. They have a lot of natural curiosity about living things and relish having pets.

What I'm Similar: I have lots of energy, and physical activities are important to me. I like to take part in sports and group activities. I like clothes, music, and my friends. I'm invited to sleepovers and to friends' houses often. I want my pilus cut a certain mode. I'm not as sure about school every bit I am well-nigh my social life. Those of us who are girls are often taller and heavier than the boys. Some girls may be beginning to evidence signs of puberty, and nosotros may be self-conscious nigh that. I feel powerful and contained, as though I know what to practice and how to do information technology. I can think for myself and want to be contained. I may be eager to get an adult.

What I Demand: I need y'all to continue communication lines open by setting rules and giving reasons for them, by being a expert listener, and by planning ahead for changes in the schedule. Recollect, I am however a kid so don't expect me to act like an adult. Know that I similar to be an active fellow member of my household, to aid plan activities, and to be a part of the controlling. In one case I am eleven or older, I may be ready to take care of myself from time to time rather than go to child care. I still need developed help and encouragement in doing my homework.

Every bit children enter adolescence, they want their independence. Yet they even so want to exist children and need your guidance. As your kid grows, information technology'southward easier to leave him at home for longer periods of time and too ask him to care for younger children. Trust your instincts and sentinel your child to make sure you are not placing too much responsibility on him at one time. Talk to him. Keep the door open up. Brand sure he is comfortable with a new role of caregiver and is withal able to finish his school work and other projects.

Xi through fourteen years: an overview

Your child is irresolute and then fast—in body, listen, and emotions—that you hardly know her anymore. I 24-hour interval she's as responsible and cooperative as an adult; the adjacent 24-hour interval she's more than like a six-twelvemonth-erstwhile. Planning across today's baseball game or sleep political party is hard. Ane minute she'due south sunny and enthusiastic. The next she's gloomy and silent. Keep cool. These children are in process; they're becoming more than self-sufficient. Information technology's Independence Day!

What I'one thousand Like: I'm more independent than I used to be, but I'g quite self-witting. I think more like an adult, but there'due south no elementary respond. I like to talk about issues in the adult world. I like to think for myself, and though I often feel confused, my opinions are of import to me, and I desire others to respect them. I seem to be moving abroad from my family unit. Friends are more of import than e'er. To have them like me, I sometimes deed in ways that adults disapprove of. Just I still demand reasonable rules set by adults. However, I'm more than understanding and cooperative. I want nothing to do with babysitters—in fact, if I'k mature enough I tin can often be by myself or watch others.

What I Need: I demand to know my family unit is behind me no matter how I may stumble in my attempts to grow upward. This growing upwardly is serious business organization, and I need to laugh and play a lot to lighten up and keep my balance. I need you to empathize that I'm doing my all-time and to encourage me to see my mistakes every bit learning experiences. Delight don't tease me about my clothes, pilus, boy/girl friends. I as well need privacy with my ain space and things.