In Australia, recent studies have shown that as many as 20% of children are starting school while developmentally limited in one or more of the five key Australian Early Development Census domains.
The 2019 survey tracked trends in children’s language, communications and cognitive skills, physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity and general knowledge. The data showed some of the lowest levels of childhood development since 2009.
Two years of lockdowns, disruption and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues further for 2 to 5-year-olds, research has shown.
So, how do parents ensure the best opportunities for their children in achieving these key milestones?
In this blog:
Early learning holds the key
Development psychologists – those who study changes in human development across a person’s lifespan – believe the answer is attendance at a high-quality Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC).
Through the combination of play-based learning and the supervision of trained and well-rounded educators, these experts agree that children receive the best opportunities to develop key psychological skills – the kind that will successfully lead them through childhood, adolescence and beyond.
The fun, mentally-stimulation activity of a daycare setting enables children to work at their own pace, experience and build positive relationships, engage their imagination, cope with challenges, enhance curiosity, calculate risks and develop motor skills such as balance and coordination.
As a result of these positive learning experiences, studies show children who attend a daycare setting generally have fewer behavioural issues than those who have interacted with parents, friends and informal care alone.
So, what are some of the key psychological foundations that are established when a child attends an ECEC? While the list is extensive, five of the key positives include:
1. Laying the foundation for self-awareness and confidence
Perhaps the most important psychological development for a child in these early years is their sense of self. ECECs nurture the establishment of self-esteem and independence through exposure to a diverse array of inspiration.
The range of physical settings, people and activities encourage children to explore, identify and expand upon their talents and interests. As they discover, they are supported by compassionate caregivers, who are trained to tap into these interests and foster the child’s passions to support their learning.
Since a child who is choosing and following their interest is more engaged in what they are doing, they learn faster and become more willing to try new things and take healthy risks. The learning they acquire from this process enhances their confidence and has a positive effect on mental health and independence as they grow.
2. Establishing effective communication
Effective communication skills are key in developing a child’s wellbeing, identity, and relationships. In the early years, interacting in a fun way gives children a chance to practice the language skills they already have, and to enhance their vocabulary and articulation.
It’s not just verbal skills that are developed during this time. Non-verbal communication skills, such as body language, sight and sound, are refined through both casual interactions with peers, as well as the more formal boundary setting and instructions provided by caregivers.
The age-appropriate early learning environment gives children the
physical setting and skilled people to help meet and support their communication needs at their own pace.
In the years ahead, confidence in communication can assist the child to effectively share their interests, needs and emotions.
3. Forming cultural and environmental awareness
The diversity of a daycare setting exposes children to a myriad of cultures through song, food and educational days. Connection to their own culture can support a child’s sense of belonging and identity, while understanding of other cultures promotes respect. In the Australian curriculum, emphasis is also placed on showing care and respect for the environment, which helps in establishing a lifelong empathy for our planet and its preservation.
4. Building emotional intelligence
In every social setting, children are building their emotional skills through relationship-building experiences. Whether they are sharing toys, working together on a project, doing yoga, or resolving a playground disagreement, children are constantly learning to feel emotions, show empathy, utilise coping skills and develop problem-solving skills. Daycare provides a wonderful setting for learning how to self-regulate in times of overwhelm.
5. Igniting creativity and imagination (and cultivating resilience)
Although they may seem innate, imagination and creativity are learnt skills! When attending an ECEC, the change of scenery and the freedom to explore engages children in new opportunities to create, imagine, wonder and dream. When children are imagining, they are exercising their problem-solving skills, exhibiting their uniqueness, and testing new ways of thinking – all of which enhance their resilience.
Setting up for the future
Of course, all the above learnings will also improve a child’s transition to school. This is typically a challenge for most children, however those who are accustomed to some separation from their parents and have healthy levels of resilience, pro-social behaviours and strong communication skills are best placed to experience the smoothest transitions and the best learning experiences in the years ahead.
Selling A Childcare Centre
If you’d like to book an appraisal, you’re welcome to contact Lincoln directly on 0424 370 025, or Andrew Urquhart on 0408 439 762.
You can also register your interest as a seller for more information about the sale process, appraisals, and your profit potential.
