M ost child and adolescent psychiatrists recognize that the ideal environment for raising a small child is in the home with parents and family. Intimate daily direct parental care of infants for the first several months of life is particularly important. Since the ideal environment often is not available, the role of day care, especially in the first few years of the child's life, needs to be considered.
Some experts recommend a minimum of six or more months leave for parents.
All agree that when day care is used, the quantity and quality of the day care are significant in the child's development. Before choosing a day care environment, parents should be familiar with the state licensure regulations for child care. They should also check references and observe the caregivers with the child. Parents sometimes take their young child to the home of a person who is caring for one or more other children. The caregiver should be able to encourage social skills and positive behavior, and set limits on negative ones.