Exploring The Benefits Of Child Care

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5 Ways Child Care Programs Help Kids Learn That You Might Not Know About

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Child care programs provide safe, nurturing environments when mom or dad is away. Right? Of course. But, what else does your local child care center offer? Early childhood education and care programs often provide much more than parents think. These 'extras' add to your little learner's experience, helping her to grow and develop. Check out these not so well-known parts of the daycare day.

At-School Field Trips

Some centers bring experts into the classroom for a 'field trip' without ever leaving school. This might include anything from a science center workshop to a mini art lesson from a museum's educator. These at-school experiences bring organizations and local community groups right to your child, without her having to get on a bus and go somewhere.

In-Depth Arts Experiences

Along with the possibility of an at-school 'field trip' that's led by museum staff, some child care programs provide extra-curricular lessons or activities in the arts. Adding the arts to an early childhood program helps young students to develop motor skills, build communication abilities and learn about perspective-taking. Some centers offer an after (or before) school art class, an add-on creative movement course or may have music lessons.

Parent Participation

The teachers aren't the only adults who are important in the classroom. Parent participation is key to the young child's school success. With that in mind, many daycares encourage moms and dads to come in and help out. This might be something simple such as chaperoning a holiday party, or it could be more in-depth (such as reading books during story-time or coming along on a nature walk).

Organized Sports

There's plenty of outdoor play in the daycare child's day. The children go outside, run through the grass and climb on the playground equipment. But, what about sports? Some schools may offer an extra athletic experience. The child care center might have an organized mini league or may bring in a local soccer, basketball or t-ball coach for a few lessons.

Second-Language Learning

Learning a foreign language doesn't need to wait until children are in grade school or even high school. Starting early may make it easier for young children to pick up on the second language, offering an added benefit over waiting until later to learn. Some centers have a staff member (or bring in an expert teacher) to teach a daily or weekly foreign language class.

Daycare is a place where young children go when their parents are away. That's obvious. But, it's also a place where the same young children learn their first lessons, develop their growing abilities and make their first friends. From bringing experts (or even athletes) into the school to asking parents to participate, child care programs provide opportunities galore for their students to grow. 

For more information, contact Kaye Kare Child Care Center or a similar location.


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