The benefits of daycare: Day care is good for your child’s social + emotional development

Day care is good for your child’s social + emotional development

You’re giving your kids a social and behavioral boost if they’re in day care.

By
Heather Marcoux

October 16, 2018

It’s a decision many parents agonize over and one many have felt guilty about. But if you’re considering day care for your child that guilt is really unnecessary, mama. Day care doesn’t just give parents the time they need to provide for their family, it also provides children with important social interactions that may improve their behavior.

A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health concludes that “high-quality centre-based childcare may be linked to lower levels of emotional symptoms. ” Basically, being around children their age, under the supervision of professionals is really good for kids’ emotional and prosocial development.

The study comes from France, a country where state-run nurseries are well regarded ( but reportedly hard to get a spot in ), and where most children start preschool at the age of three .

The researchers followed the development of 1,428 French children from birth to the age of 8 in order to better understand how day care before age 3 might impact development differently than other common childcare methods in France, like staying home with a parent or family member, or with a babysitter who cares for a small number of children in their home or the child’s.

The study found the children who attended high-quality center-based care for at least one year had lower rates of emotional, conduct, relationship and attention problems later in life than kids who were watched by a family member or babysitter. The study’s authors suggest interactions with trained staff in the centers, along with having to follow rules and getting extra stimulus from playing in the supportive environment give kids a social and behavioral boost.

The French study’s findings didn’t surprise some experts. Good early childhood education programs ( like Head Start, for example ) have been proven to have long-term benefits for kids, and while society often looks at day care as simply a place to park children during the workday, a good day care is so much more.

It’s not just a place to be supervised, it’s a place to learn and socialize, too.

“The evidence is clear that high quality, early childhood care is beneficial for children,” Dr. Jillian Roberts, a child psychologist and associate professor at the University of Victoria, told Global News . “These programs include not only play and socialization, but also educational and nutritional components from highly-trained early childhood education professionals.”

As Vox reports , it’s likely not so much the educational lessons that center-based care provides, but the stability that children (and their families) benefit from, especially when we’re talking about children under a year old. A recent Vox report highlights a decades-old America study called the Abecedarian Project , in which families were provided with high-quality childcare from birth. The kids who were in that day care are adults today, and the science suggests they’re still benefiting from it.

A 2014 study compared the cardiovascular health of men who had been in that day care as babies to men who were not , and found “one in four males in the control group is affected by metabolic syndrome, whereas none in the treatment group are affected.”

Going to day care early had a positive impact on those children, and for some of the children in the recent French study (whose parents were asked about their care at 4, 8 and 12 months, and then again and 2 and 3 years old) going to day care as a baby led to better behavior and relationships.

The study’s results are just another reason for governments to consider investing in state-run or subsidies day care centers. Parents (even some in France) are struggling to find and afford day care. Investing in these programs helps two generations: Our and our children’s.

Of course not every family needs or wants full-time, center-based childcare, but would probably still like some of those prosocial benefits. High-quality part-time preschool programs allow kids to be exposed to the educational aspects of high-quality day care (and give stay-at-home parents a minute to catch their breath) without as high a price tag or as much in-center time as full-time care.

The science isn’t suggesting that professionals at a day care center should replace parents (and we know there are plenty of stay-at-home mamas and dads who are providing amazing, enriching care to their children every single day) but rather that professional care can complement a parent’s.

The point is, moms should not be made to feel guilty because we have to work, or because we can’t afford a nanny, or even because we just want a couple mornings a week to do the grocery shopping without a toddler. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and if we’re lucky enough to live in a village where we can find high-quality day care, our children can benefit from it.

You might also like:

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8 Benefits of Daycare for Infants and Toddlers

High-quality daycare has been shown to deliver amazing benefits for communities and for kids.

Child care businesses provide valuable services that give parents the freedom to work and advance their careers. They create a community atmosphere where parents and families can network and build relationships. Most importantly, daycare centers provide developmental benefits that help kids reach their full potential.

In this week’s blog post, we’re breaking down the eight most important benefits of daycare for infants and toddlers. Keep reading to find more about the benefits you can expect if you’re thinking about sending your child to a daycare center in your community.

8 Benefits of Daycare

Of all the benefits of daycare, the social and emotional advantages infants and toddlers receive are most clear. 

Kids in child care get to socialize, make friends and develop skills like sharing and cooperation during the most formative years of their lives. Early socialization gives kids the opportunity to practice a wide variety of cognitive and social skills, from self-expression to conflict resolution, problem-solving and teamwork.  

Child care centers are designed to support the emotional needs and development of young children. Kids spend time with peers in a supervised, safe environment with supportive, caring and responsive adults. This experience supports emotional health and development, and can help prevent separation anxiety as kids start to develop independence from their parents. 

The social and emotional benefits of daycare are lasting: a French study found that high-quality daycare is linked to fewer emotional symptoms, conduct problems, attention dysfunction and relationship issues later in life (BMJ).

Understanding Structure & Routines

Kids in child care learn the foundations of routines and schedules that will help them develop good habits later in life. Getting used to routines and rules is an important part of cognitive development and pays off both in school and at home. 

Having a daily routine regulates sleep and encourages healthy habits like self-care and hygiene. It teaches kids to meet expectations and reinforces good behavior. Because of this, kids will gain confidence and stay grounded during times of change or stress.

These routines are helpful for infants and across the child’s entire life. It’s thought that many of the lifelong benefits of early childhood education, such as higher college graduation rates, are tied to the stability of the child care environment.

Child care centers allow both children and their parents to participate in the local community, build relationships, and connect with other families and community leaders. In child care, toddlers are exposed to other cultures and families with different views and lifestyles, which is an important first step to understanding the world around them.

Communities are a vital part of child development, as a way for children to find role models and gain new experiences. And for parents, the network of other parents and staff is an opportunity to build connections and share insights about raising their families.

Building Lifelong Skills

In daycare, kids develop skill sets that will be useful not only during their development as little ones, but across their entire life spans. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that teenagers had higher cognitive and academic achievement if they had attended high-quality child care — that is, care with lower staff-child ratios, supportive staff and cognitive-boosting activities (NIH).

Kids who attended quality child care are more likely as adults to gain a college degree and remain consistently employed. They exhibit better cognitive, language and memory development, and more advanced reading, writing and number skills. Plus, they have better self-control and higher self-esteem.

Fostering Independent Children

Daycare gives kids time away from their parents to develop their own likes, dislikes and sense of independence in the world. They’re exposed to new and different activities and experiences that they might not have at home. In a child-centered learning environment, kids get the freedom to direct many of their own activities, try new things and occupy their time without adult direction.

The experience of navigating new situations, making choices and learning the consequences of their behavior helps toddlers develop self-control, independence and a sense of agency. They learn the benefits of patience to achieve their goals and cooperation to work with others. Through these efforts, they begin to trust themselves and gain the confidence to take on bigger and bigger challenges in life.

Boosting Health

Child care centers are important promoters of healthy habits, including good nutrition. Kids in daycare are exposed to more varieties of healthy food and role models for healthy eating. Studies show that children in care are more likely to try new foods, especially when staff eat the same food and talk to them about what they’re eating (Science Direct). 

Plus, enrollment in daycare promotes important preventative health measures like vaccinations and health screenings. One study even found that men who had been in a high-quality daycare as babies had better cardiovascular health than those who had not (AAAS).

Kids do encounter more germs when they attend child care centers – but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Encountering germs at an early age helps kids develop a stronger immune system, which protects them from getting sick later in life. Kids who don’t attend daycare centers end up taking more sick days on average in elementary school, which can hinder their learning and disrupt family routines.

Recognizing Role Models

Daycare is a great way for kids to get used to respecting and trusting adults. Being supported by caring staff helps children to recognize teachers and other professionals as role models and resources who can help them grow and accomplish their goals. This helps prepare them to develop positive relationships with adults and authority figures throughout their lifetimes.

Kids learn through observing those they look up to. Good behavior, curiosity, politeness, respect for others, perseverance and more can be learned from great daycare staff. And kids with a variety of good role models grow up with more confidence and self-esteem.

Getting Prepared for Kindergarten

Child care provides a fun and stimulating environment where kids build their literacy, numeracy and communication skills, helping them prepare for kindergarten. Child care centers with a focus on education teach the foundations that kids will build on in elementary school, like counting, the alphabet, simple word recognition and writing skills. 

Studies show that kids who attended formal child care programs have stronger reading and math skills at age five (Child Stats).

Kids in child care also learn non-academic abilities that they’ll need to succeed in kindergarten. They develop fine motor skills to help with using pencils, crayons and scissors, along with self-care routines like dressing and washing hands. They’ll be better able to express their needs to adults, follow directions, and adjust to being around other children.

The transition to kindergarten can sometimes be stressful, but if a child has spent time in daycare, it can go much much more smoothly. Kids, parents and teachers alike will benefit from the preparation daycare provides.

Procare Solutions: Helping Daycare Make a Difference

Child care centers are vital community institutions that genuinely benefit the lives of the families they serve. 

For more than 30 years, Procare Solutions has been there to support child care businesses so they can focus on delivering great benefits in their communities. With solutions that help ease the demands of running a business, Procare connects your operations so you can focus on what’s important: better outcomes for the children in your care.

With Procare’s comprehensive child care management software, you can automate time-consuming administrative tasks, manage child care staff, plan your child care curriculum and engage with parents in real time to strengthen relationships with families at your center.

Ready to find out how Procare can help your daycare center be the greatest possible asset to the community?

Request a demo!

Benefits of a private kindergarten

Recently, more and more parents prefer to send their child to a private kindergarten. Their wide distribution has a positive effect on the development of children, but also raises a whole range of questions from parents: Which kindergarten to choose? What are the advantages and disadvantages of private kindergartens? Is it worth it to stand in line at a state-type institution.

When choosing a kindergarten for their child, parents are guided by certain criteria. It is on their basis that we will analyze the main advantages of private institutions.

Service

With just one simple call to the reception, you can assess the quality of services provided in private kindergartens. This is the first stage, which allows you to get acquainted with the rules of the institution and its routine. Methodists or administrators of the kindergarten will advise on all issues of interest, as well as invite you to a personal acquaintance.

These institutions have a single method of education. Each child is treated solely as an individual. Therefore, in addition to educators, a psychologist, speech therapist and other teachers also work with the child.

Atmosphere

A soft ironed bed, trendy toys and smiling teachers are just a few of the atmosphere in a private kindergarten. It should also add warmth and comfort. Due to this, the child feels comfortable, he has a desire to go to kindergarten and spend time there with his peers.

The territory of the educational institution is under the control of a security guard. For security purposes, an efficient pass system also operates. Additionally, attention is paid to regular ventilation and cleaning. All this allows us to talk about comfortable learning for children.

Creative and teaching staff

Modern teachers of private kindergartens have all the opportunities and resources to make learning comfortable and easy for children, regardless of their age. Attention is also paid to the development of creative skills.

As a rule, only professional teachers with many years of experience work in private kindergartens. This makes it possible to interest the child and teach him in a playful way. The educational process is complemented by interesting events, concerts, fairs, theater performances.

These are just a few of the criteria that parents take into account before sending their child to a private kindergarten. In fact, there are many more. So, for parents, food in the institution, its social significance, proximity to the house, and the cost of payment are also important. Already on the basis of these criteria, both the pros and cons of a private kindergarten can be distinguished.

Sending a child to a private or public facility is up to the parents. In this matter, it is also necessary to focus on the opinion and comfort of the child. Only in this case, visiting kindergarten will bring him pleasure.

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3 pros and 3 cons of having a child in kindergarten

• In the city N
• Articles

14:47, April 5, 2019

In Soviet times, all children without exception attended preschool educational institutions. Now the situation has changed, and children who have never visited kindergarten are no longer an exception to the rule. Of course, if parents need to go to work, grandmothers do not have the opportunity to babysit, and there is not enough money for a nanny, a kindergarten will be the only possible option. But what about those who can afford not to take their children to kindergarten? So, let’s discuss all the pros and cons of kindergartens.

• Pros
• Cons

Pros

Early socialization

Many children who have not attended kindergarten have difficulty communicating with classmates. And all because the child is simply not used to being in a team. Hence conflicts with peers, inability to make friends and problems in relationships with teachers. Remember: starting from the age of 3, a child needs to communicate with peers, even if he seems to you a convinced introvert. And be kind enough to give him such an opportunity, regardless of whether he attends kindergarten or not.

Useful skills

In kindergarten, the child gets used to being independent – eating, dressing, putting away toys and organizing his own leisure time without the help of adults. And, no less important, to deal with controversial situations without the participation of a mother, for whom her own child is always right. In addition, it is in kindergarten that a child gets acquainted with certain rules of behavior and learns to observe them. Strictly speaking, this is called discipline, without which there is nowhere at school.

Intellectual development

Among other things, in the kindergarten, the child receives the intellectual and physical development necessary for his age. Of course, you can do drawing, sculpting and singing with him at home, but, unfortunately, not all parents have such an opportunity. But it should be noted that you need to study at home even with those children who go to kindergarten. It’s just that you will spend much less time on this than parents who don’t take their child anywhere.

In terms of physical development, many kindergartens provide physical education classes that are necessary for a growing body. Yes, the lack of “physical-ra” can be compensated by classes in the sports section or a dance school, but not all children want and can attend them.

Cons

Adjustment problems

Many children have serious problems adjusting to kindergarten. At the same time, psychologists say that it is possible to send a child to a nursery at a year and a half only as a last resort, since at this age children are strongly attached to their mother, and this is quite normal. It is easier for a two-year-old child to get used to kindergarten, but everything depends on his character: if he quickly finds a common language with his peers and is not afraid of strangers, then you can send him to a nursery. It’s possible, but it’s still too early. Therefore, if your two-year-old does not adapt well to the kindergarten and constantly cries, in no case do not persist and do not force him to go where he does not like it. By the way, most often it is those children who were forcibly taken to a nursery who negatively perceive kindergarten right up to school age. At the age of three, children begin to show a keen interest in peers, which means that a three-year-old child can be taken to kindergarten, but still look closely at his behavior. Well, the ideal age for kindergarten is 4 years old. If your child of any age cries at the mere mention of kindergarten, you may be better off thinking about “homeschooling.”

Frequent illnesses

Be prepared for your child to get sick more than usual during the first year of kindergarten. It is during this period that he develops immunity to various children’s “sores”, so he will have to be patient. However, if each illness goes away with complications, and you have to be on sick leave for 3-4 weeks, there is little benefit from such visits. In addition, psychologists believe that regular colds may indicate that the child does not adapt well to kindergarten. And if the child continues to get sick often even in the second year, he may not have been able to get used to the new place, and it’s not worth taking him there.

Nutrition

In kindergarten, kids get used to eating “what they give”, and in principle, this is good. But not for all children. For example, especially picky kindergarteners can stay hungry all day and fill up in the evening, which is not very good for their digestion. And canteen food is not the best option for allergy sufferers, many of whom cannot eat dairy products, eggs, or gluten.

Based on materials from studwork.ru, psychologos.ru.

Any use of materials is allowed only if there is an active link to
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