Types of Child Care in Malaysia

Whether you’re heading back to work full-time, planning a night out with your significant other, or looking for an extra pair of hands to keep older kids entertained while you take care of newborn, child-care providers can help give you a break. But you may be overwhelmed with the variety of child care choices. However, if the thought of leaving your baby with someone else all day, every workday, makes you want to never leave your baby at all, you’re not alone. It’s a big decision, especially if this is your first baby. But if you’re planning to go back to your 9-to-5, you’re in good company because according to research, almost  70 per cent of all primary caregivers work outside the home. And that also means there are plenty of excellent child care options, from nannies to babysitters and more.

So, before you begin your search for the right childcare centre, ask yourself why you are looking for care in the first place. This will help guide you to the right type of childcare. The type of care may differ depending on your overall goal. For example, if you are looking for someone to look after your child for an hour or two whilst you run errands, long daycare may not be the most appropriate service, and family, friends, a babysitter or perhaps an occasional care centre may be the best option. On the other hand, if you are looking to provide early education for your kids, then long daycare or a quality family daycare service may be a better option. Once you know what type of care best suits your needs, then it’s time to find the perfect childcare centre. 

What is Child Care?

Child care or early childhood education is a blanket term which covers all early childhood education and care services for children aged 0 – 5 years before formal school begins. This is an opportunity to provide children with the necessary foundation blocks to develop their educational and social skills in a safe environment, while also supporting parents to continue working. Throughout Malaysia, there has been a steady improvement in the language and cognitive skills of children starting school. By continuing to focus on preschool attendance, our children will feel better prepared for school.

Types of Child Care.

• Nanny

A nanny is an individual employed by a family in either a live-in or live-out situation. For some parents, the option to employ a nanny is a more flexible arrangement than formal child care. It’s also a nice idea that their children are being cared for in their own homes, which might save the family money if there is more than one child. A nanny can be found through a nanny agency, a website, or through word of mouth and recommendations. They are focused on childcare and any household chores or tasks related to the children, such as doing laundry and preparing food. Although expensive, having a nanny can be a reasonably economical option if you have more than one child. It is also ideal if you work irregular hours, and cannot guarantee to be home in time for a nursery pick-up, as it is the most flexible arrangement.

• Daycare Providers

Daycare is a childcare option where parents drop off their children during the day for care, supervision, and learning.  Many provide half-day or full day care for children and sometimes provide meals, as well as field trips. Daycare centres often charge families monthly as opposed to hourly, and they provide a structured routine with large groups of kids. Traditional daycare centres are formal, structured environments with specific drop-off and pick-up times. Daycare centres specialize in the care of infants through preschoolers, although some daycare facilities also offer before and after school care for school-age children as well.

• Babysitter

A babysitter is an individual who temporarily cares for children on behalf of the children’s parents or guardians. A babysitter is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the children. A babysitter may be responsible for planning activities or supervising playdates. Other babysitters may cook, clean, help with homework, or drive children to scheduled activities. Most babysitting jobs are considered part-time jobs and are paid by the hour, either on specific occasions or according to a regular schedule.

• Day Nurseries

Day nurseries provide a structure of learning and care for children from birth to five years old. This means the staff are trained to create a safe and stimulating environment for your child to enjoy and develop in. Your child will be able to do a wide variety of activities to teach them different skills such as painting, drawing, reading and a lot of plays. Your child will have a chance to play and learn in a group and one-to-one with a member of staff. They will also benefit from playing with other children, as this can help him to gain confidence and develop social skills. However, day nurseries have clear rules for parents to follow, such as picking up and drop-off times. This means you know exactly what is expected of you. You will also have the opportunity to meet other parents who may be able to lend support and encouragement.

Choosing The Best Child Care For Your Baby

Where you decide to leave your baby in group daycare, in-home daycare, with a nanny or with a relative comes with its own set of benefits and challenges. In this case, if you know you want to put your baby in daycare, it’s never too early to start looking into group programs. That’s because many facilities, especially those that accept infants, often have a long waitlist — especially in large cities like Kuala Lumpur. If you want to hire a nanny or choose an in-home daycare, you should still start your search at least two months before you plan to head back to work.

However, if you’re planning to leave your baby with a relative caregiver, make sure to do a couple of dry runs well in advance of your first day back on the job in case the new arrangement doesn’t work out and you need to find a backup option.