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Daycare must focus on child, not adult needs, says new report

February 9th, 2012

by Carolyn Moynihan

A new report on daycare and child wellbeing in New Zealand has had a predictably stand-offish reception from the media and professional groups so far, although parents posting their opinions online are dividedabout its claims.

The report, Who Cares, published by lobby group Family First and written by British psychologist and author Aric Sigman, draws on research indicating that attending daycare for an extended period of time — and consequent separation from parents — is a significant source of stress for many young children. Studies have shown elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol throughout the day among young children in daycare centres compared with levels among children at home.

I believe Dr Sigman is correct in claiming that “the provision of daycare has been one of the most successful sales stories in recent history.” The pitch has been particularly successful in New Zealand:

Keep reading.

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