Launch of Roscommon County Childcare Committee’s Crawl and Learn Initiative

Arising from consultation with early years practitioners, parent and toddler groups and parents, Roscommon County Childcare Committee have developed an information poster on the benefits of crawling in collaboration with Tusla and as part of a level eight early years student placement project with Sligo Institute of Technology.

As part of this project, Roscommon CCC carried out research to gain an understanding in to what people already knew about the benefits of this stage of development for babies and if they thought it would be important for them to learn more. To do this, Roscommon CCC used quantitative research and designed an online survey to gain responses and feedback from practitioners, parent and toddler groups and parents.

The feedback from the survey revealed that most people were aware of the benefits crawling had on a child’s development and they encouraged this stage of development by praising them, putting their favourite toy in reach, giving them space to move, lots of tummy time and giving them freedom to explore.   All respondents reported that they do encourage floor time but believed that children do spend too much time nowadays in walkers, high chairs and car seats. The respondents to this survey did feel that parents and practitioners do acknowledge how important this stage is for a child’s development. Finally, there was a positive response in the number of people who believed that it would be helpful if childcare services had a poster displayed that outlined the importance and benefits of the crawling stage for babies.

The poster is available for all early learning and care services, parent and toddler groups, family resource centres, childminders and local and national agencies that support children and families. The launch of this initiative was supported by County Roscommon Early Learning & Care services, Tusla, Roscommon Children & Young People Services Committee and Roscommon County Childcare committee member agencies.

To download a copy of the poster click on this link.