So, 2018 is already upon us and many of us have decided upon what New Year’s resolution we have for this year. Usually, we wish to lose weight, eat healthier or get fitter. For those of you with little ones you may also have a New Year’s resolution related to getting your child enrolled into childcare.
Yes, time flies and especially so when we think of our children and the speed at which they grow and develop. It may feel like it’s all over in a flash and how has it arrived at the time to think of enrolling our little ones into childcare. For many parents, this comes with many emotions: it may be hard to let them go, it may be tricky to decide which setting to send them to and some of us may even ask the question why do we need to send them when they could just be at home with me.
So, taking into consideration this last reason, this article is here to explain and outline the many reasons why it’s important to get your children into some form of childcare setting.
- Childcare Settings are a Perfect Place for Growth
For most children, a childcare setting is the first experience that they have of a structured setting with other children and teachers. It’s a great opportunity for children to learn how to follow instructions, share and embark on a journey of learning.
- Childcare Settings Help to Improve Motor Skills
Childcare settings provide children the opportunity to be active (i.e. running, climbing and playing games) for a good part of the day, hence improving and developing their gross motor skills. Equally, children have the chance to also develop their fine motor skills, e.g. cutting using scissors, painting and drawing and threading beads. All of these activities also help young children to improve their balance and develop their hand-eye coordination.
- Childcare Settings Provide Structure
Although it may not seem to be the case, a well-structured environment enables young children to play with others and learn how to make friends. Structure does not mean that young children have to follow strict rules or teacher led activities, the structure is subtle and children are actually unaware of it. The structure actually comes from an organised setting which promotes social interaction and aims to reduce conflict.
- Childcare Settings Encourage Social and Emotional Development
For a child to learn they need to feel secure and comfortable with their caregiver or teacher. Childcare settings allow young children the chance to trust and build relationships with other adults than family members. Your child will have the chance to nurture new relationships with other children also. It is in the ‘real world,’ through these new experiences where children learn emotional self-control and new social skills.
- Your Child Learns to Look After Themselves and Others
Children are encouraged to wash hands, tidy away toys and remove clothes/shoes independently. This provides children with a sense of self-worth as they grow and develop. Children are also encouraged to help others i.e. help a newcomer or pour another less confident child a drink using a jug.
- Your Child has the Opportunity to Make Choices
Your child is given an opportunity to engage in different activities. If your child is wandering aimlessly, they are encouraged to take part in something that suits them.
- Childcare Settings Allow a Child to Explore a Sense of Curiosity
In a childcare setting, childcare staff are not looking for ‘correct’ answers from children. They like to ask questions, observe and listen to the ideas that children present. With this information staff can nurture curiosity and motivate children’s learning.
- Childcare Settings Promote Cognitive Skills and Language
An environment which is rich in language is essential in order for young children’s language to nurture the way it should. Between the ages of 3-5 children’s sentences become more complex and longer and vocabulary develops from 900 words to 2500 words.
In a childcare setting children’s language skills are stretched through questions and the access to new vocabulary through activities related to art, science and circle time. Additionally, children spend time talking, singing and reading and acting out stories. Cognitive skills are developed through activities which encourage them to look closely, explore ideas, ask questions and solve problems.
- Childcare Settings Teach Teamwork and Respect
Young children begin to learn the importance of respect towards others. This is not only in regards to people, but also towards belongings and their environment. Childcare settings are a perfect place to learn this as they provide an environment where things are shared and using manners and being civil to each other are taught. This fits in nicely with learning about teamwork, how to respect each other opinions, cooperating and listening to each other.
- Childcare Setting Promote Diversity
Understanding and valuing diversity and difference are imperative to a child’s development at these early stages. Children have the opportunity to see and learn that we are all different and special in our own way and that we all have our own beliefs, cultures and ethnicities. Childcare settings therefore create the perfect way for children to learn to accept and appreciate these differences and ultimately shape us to become well rounded members of society.
All of the reasons stated above highlight the positives of getting your child ready and into a childcare setting. Whether you’re looking for childcare in Lower Hutt, Auckland, or anywhere around New Zealand, you can rest assured that your child will be well cared for, will form new relationships and make new friends as well as build on his/her confidence, skills and knowledge through carefully thought out activities. This New Year’s resolution is one that simply can’t go by the wayside and we hope we’ve given you enough insight to feel happy in making that first step.