Sunday, March 27, 2016

Early Childcare Development Gives Children An Important Edge

By John Miller


Most experts in the field agree that the first eight years are critical formative years for any child. This is the time when very important foundations regarding cognitive ability, psycho motor development and social skills are laid. In the past the responsibility for laying these foundations was that of the parents, in many cases mostly the mother. Today, early childcare programs in Warren OH are offered by many formal and informal schools, care centres and even individual professionals.

Children start to develop important skills from birth. On the beginning they simply focus on becoming aware of their environments. However, they soon start to react to different stimuli and they definitely start to differentiate between colours, shapes, sounds and physical stimulation. This process can be enhanced if the parents make sure that their infants are exposed to a wide variety of such stimuli.

At first, young children do most of their learning when the play. They may think that the act of playing is purely for fun, but they nevertheless learn much in the process. Many parents spend fortunes on specially developed educational toys but the development process can proceed without such aids. A simple on line search will result in many sites that offer parents interesting and valuable ideas on how to stimulate their children without expensive toys.

Learning through playing remains an important learning opportunity throughout the first years. The games may become more complex over time, but the developmental value of those games remain very important. Children learn about interaction with others whilst playing, they learn how things work, they learn the basics of team work, they develop important motor skills and they encounter new knowledge all the time.

Reputable experts such as Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget is of the opinion that children should be enrolled in formal childhood educational programs from the age of 3. They recommend that parents opt for programs that make provision for cognitive development, social and emotional maturity, motor skills and language skills. They are strongly in favour of programs that allow children to learn through experimentation.

There have been many empirical studies comparing the achievements of children that had the benefit of form early educational programs and those that did not have that privilege. Children that were enrolled in formal programs consistently achieve better in IQ tests and they generally perform better in maths and science. They also perform better socially and emotionally a d they are more adaptable to a changing environment.

Even very young children have preferences and different abilities. Parents should therefore do some research when looking for a suitable development program. They should make sure that the managers of such programs are experienced and that they enjoy a impeccable reputation. Parents of other children already in these programs may be a valuable source of advice and information.

It is only natural that parents want the very best for their children. The greatest gift they can give them is a head start early in life. This can be achieved through formal development programs from a very young age.




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