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Donna is six months old - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 11
Donna is six months old. Her mother, Rose, decides to place Donna in day care. She places Donna in a nursery where there are other children of the same age and a var... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Donna is six months old - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Using research, describe the advantages for Donna of attending day care.
Answer
Attending day care can provide several advantages for Donna:
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Social Development: As Donna is six months old, being in a nursery allows her to interact with other children of the same age. According to Andersson (1992), children under one year benefit from social interactions, which enhance their social capabilities.
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Enhancing Outgoing Personality: The environment of a nursery encourages children to be more outgoing. The social interactions with peers can help Donna develop friendships early on and feel more comfortable in group settings.
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Intellectual Stimulation: Research by Sylvia et al. (2004) indicates that children who start attending nursery before the age of three can benefit intellectually. Although Donna is still young, being in this environment can help in her cognitive development.
Step 2
Describe what Rose could have considered when selecting a nursery that provides good quality day care.
Answer
When selecting a nursery, Rose should have considered the following factors:
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Staff Turnover: It’s crucial for Rose to ask about staff turnover rates. A low turnover can help Donna form secure attachments with her caregivers, which is important for her emotional development.
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Child-to-Staff Ratio: Understanding the child-to-staff ratio is essential. A recommended maximum of 1:3 for children under the age of one ensures that Donna receives adequate attention from the staff, helping her needs to be met more effectively.
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Qualifications of Staff: Rose should verify the qualifications of the nursery staff. Ensuring that caregivers have at least Level 2 qualifications helps guarantee they are trained in child development and care practices.
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Consideration of Activities: Rose could also assess the types of activities provided. A well-rounded program that promotes both physical and intellectual development is beneficial for Donna, allowing for a holistic approach to her growth and learning.