In Fiji

New child care facility to educate minders

(Wednesday, August 17, 2005)

A NEW childcare facility has been set up in Suva.

Coordinator of Fun Time playgroup Elie Yee said a child-minder or a person looking after a toddler needed to be more active while looking after the young ones.

She said children would not venture into activities such as singing if the minder was not leading them.

"It is the policy of the playgroup that the child minder works with play group personnel in ensuring a happy, safe and enriching environment," Ms Yee said.

"In so doing the child minder will grow in understanding the child development stages, learning experiences and skills appropriate at particular ages."

Ms Yee said the minder would have regular opportunity to learn teaching techniques she could reinforce in the home situation for the benefit of the child.

"Our intention here at the playgroup is to make the child minder participate actively as an adult team member during the play," she said.

Ms Yee operates the playgroup with an assistant and 38 toddlers aged from 10 months to four years.

The toddlers come with their child-minders to the playgroup where they learn things through playing, singing and other co-ordinated movements. The play focuses on activities such as painting, colouring and pasting. Ms Yee has completed a diploma in childcare management.

"I approached a lot of businesshouses for funds and we also had small amounts of school fees for children,'' she said.

"Revenue from the registration and term fee goes for the transportation expenses, buying of craft materials, play hire and report cards for each child."