Technology Use at Daycare 2026

Technology in childcare is a topic many parents have questions about. Understanding appropriate use, policies, and how to evaluate programs' approaches helps you make informed decisions.

Current Recommendations

Professional Guidance

Organizations recommend:

• Limited screen time for young children
• Under 18 months: Avoid except video chat
• 18-24 months: High-quality, co-viewed
• 2-5 years: 1 hour/day maximum
• Quality over quantity

Why Limits Matter

Research shows:

• Hands-on learning is better
• Social interaction essential
• Language develops through conversation
• Active play crucial
• Screens can displace important activities

Screen Time at Childcare

What to Expect

Many programs:

• Limit or eliminate screens
• May use occasionally
• Policies vary widely
• Should have clear guidelines
• Should share with parents

Quality Programs Typically

Best practices:

• Minimal screen use
• Educational if used
• Interactive and co-viewed
• Not replacing activities
• Clear policies

What to Ask

Questions for programs:

• What's your screen time policy?
• When and how are screens used?
• What content is shown?
• How much daily?
• What's the educational purpose?

Types of Technology

Passive Viewing

Watching screens:

• Least educational value
• Should be very limited
• Not replacing activities
• Concerns if excessive
• What most parents worry about

Interactive Technology

Active engagement:

• Can have educational value
• Still limited appropriate
• Teacher-guided best
• Not replacing hands-on
• Quality matters

Educational Technology

Purposeful use:

• Specific learning goals
• Age-appropriate
• Interactive
• Supports curriculum
• Not babysitting

Evaluating Policies

Red Flags

Be concerned if:

• Excessive screen time
• Used as babysitting
• No clear policy
• Low-quality content
• Replaces activities

Positive Signs

Quality programs:

• Clear written policy
• Minimal or no screens
• Educational purpose if used
• Active teacher involvement
• Transparent with parents

Questions to Ask

During tours:

• What's your philosophy on technology?
• How much screen time daily?
• What is shown?
• Is it interactive?
• Do parents have input?

When Screens May Be Used

Potentially Appropriate

May be acceptable:

• Educational content
• Interactive learning
• Video chatting with families
• Documentation of learning
• Special circumstances

What to Watch For

Quality use:

• Brief and purposeful
• Educational content
• Teacher-guided
• Interactive
• Discussed with parents

Parent Preferences

Communicating Your Values

Share with programs:

• Your preferences
• Your concerns
• What you do at home
• Questions you have
• Ongoing dialogue

If You Disagree

Options:

• Discuss concerns
• Understand their reasoning
• Request exceptions
• Consider alternatives
• Advocate for change

Technology for Documentation

Different from Screen Time

Programs may use:

• Photos of activities
• Videos of children
• Apps for parent communication
• Digital portfolios
• Learning documentation

Privacy Considerations

Ask about:

• Photo policies
• Where images stored
• Who has access
• Your consent
• Opting out

Balancing at Home

What You Control

At home you can:

• Set your own limits
• Choose quality content
• Co-view and discuss
• Balance with active play
• Model appropriate use

Working with Childcare

Coordinate by:

• Knowing their approach
• Balancing at home
• Consistent messaging
• Open communication
• Shared values

Key Takeaways

Limits are recommended:

• Professional guidance exists
• Quality over quantity
• Active play is better
• Social interaction essential

Quality programs:

• Have clear policies
• Minimize screen time
• Educational purpose if used
• Transparent with parents

Ask questions:

• What's the policy?
• How much and when?
• What content?
• What's the purpose?

At home:

• Set your limits
• Balance activities
• Co-view when used
• Model appropriate use

Communication:

• Share your preferences
• Understand their approach
• Work together
• Advocate if needed

Technology can have a place in childcare, but quality programs prioritize hands-on, interactive experiences over screen time.

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What every centre asks you to bring

Whatever else changes between programmes, the supply list barely does. These four turn up on nearly every one.

Best Nap Mat

Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Nap Mat

~$98

GOTS-certified with a removable, machine-washable cover, which is what decides whether a mat survives a year of daily use.

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Best Backpack

Skip Hop Sparks Kid's Backpack

$31

Sized for a preschooler rather than a school-age child, so it actually fits a classroom cubby.

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Best Lunch Box

Yumbox Original Leakproof Bento Lunch Box

$34

Leakproof compartments a small child can open unaided, which is the whole test for a daycare lunch.

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Best Labels

Name Bubbles Custom Name Labels (95 Labels)

~$43

Ninety-five waterproof labels in six sizes. Every centre requires everything named, and this covers a full year.

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