The right choice of childcare is a critical decision for every family. A daycare with a reputation for educational programs can help your child gain the skills needed for success in school and life.
Expanding investments in high-quality early learning supports children, families, educators, and the economy overall. It also makes sure more parents can participate in the workforce and attend school or training.
Caregiver
The early learning daycare years are critical to children's lifelong health and well-being. Research has shown that children's brains make major development during this time, setting patterns for future learning in school and beyond. Children's home, family and daily experiences have a big impact on their early learning.
Childcare professionals in regulated commercial or family childcare homes are often required to have a higher credential such as an Associate, Bachelor or Master's degree in ECE. They must also pass background checks, be trained in basic CPR and first aid and undergo regular, unannounced inspections.
Educators are working to create healthy environments that support children's social and emotional development. Families can help by embracing simple ways to turn everyday activities into brain-building opportunities. For example, the DOE website Vroom (Opens in new tab) helps parents and caregivers to turn mealtime, bath time, commuting and other routines into fun learning experiences for their kids. Moreover, the YMCA uses The Creative Curriculum, a developmentally appropriate, research-based learning model that promotes positive outcomes for preschoolers.
Educator
The educators in an early learning center are typically trained in child development and education, allowing them to create engaging educational experiences that cater to children's needs. They also have the ability to assess a child's progress across different domains of development.
These programs are designed to nurture all aspects of a child's growth, including social-emotional skills, critical thinking, and motor skills. They also cultivate children's creativity and self-identity, as well as support their independence.
Teachers in these programs are also coached in the Conscious Discipline brain-based model, which helps them develop a compassionate culture and shift their adult mindsets to better understand and respond to their students' behavior. This is important for ensuring that the students feel safe and supported in their learning environment. The Baruch College Early Learning Center is licensed by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to provide childcare services for undergraduate students at Baruch College. The center follows the campus academic schedule and provides childcare during the Fall and Spring semesters.
Environment
An early learning daycare should be designed with the child's environment in mind. The environment includes everything from the physical space to the materials that are available to children. It is important to create a comfortable space with plenty of room for children to move and explore. In addition, it is important to include areas where children can look out windows, and have access to ample outdoor space.
An early childhood learning environment should also be arranged to promote self-directed exploration and support pro-social behaviors. It is important to avoid overstimulation, so children can focus on what they are learning. For example, it is recommended to use neutral or natural colors to allow the educational materials to stand out and draw attention.
Early learning centers provide structured activities that nurture a child's cognitive, social and emotional development. Unlike traditional daycare facilities, which typically focus on meeting basic care needs while parents are at work, these programs take a proactive role in a child's developmental journey.
Flexibility
Parents need flexible childcare options that allow them to manage their work schedules, home responsibilities, and personal commitments. They also want to ensure their children's emotional, cognitive, and physical needs are met while providing them with a safe learning environment. In addition, many families face financial challenges that make securing childcare difficult.
Establishing a structured daily routine provides children with stability and security, while at the same time promoting creativity and resilience. This delicate balance is essential to the well-being of young minds and requires a supportive environment that fosters both routine and flexibility.
Many child care providers rely on flexible scheduling policies to accommodate their families' unique working arrangements. Flexibility options like job sharing and flextime arrangements help them maintain a healthy work-life balance, while allowing them to provide the highest quality childcare possible. This helps to maintain the stability of childcare services for all families and boosts staff satisfaction.
