Study finds no difference in cognitive abilities between those with parents and in childcare

It makes no difference to a young child’s cognitive abilities whether they are looked after by their parents or sent to childcare, such as creches, according a new study to be published on Thursday.

The findings are contained in the latest Growing Up in Ireland study, which is tracking the lives of about 20,000 children across the country.

The research examined how the childcare arrangements for children had at the age of three influenced their language and reasoning skills at aged five.

Dr Helen Russell of the ESRI, one of the report’s authors, said the first five years of a child’s life were of critical importance to their cognitive development.

See the full article on The Irish Times Website