For millions of parents putting their children into early education is something they have to do because they work full time, and it is the most practical solution. For others, though, it is something they aren’t sure if they want to do – even if there are childcare vouchers and childcare options.
Putting your child into early years, education can often leave some people feeling guilty too. But no matter the circumstances, you’ll be happy to know that there are huge benefits for your child being in a daycare & early learning academy, nursery or any other form of early learning facility if that is what is right for you and your family.
Photo by Sebastian Pandelache on Unsplash
Learning
We already know that children are like sponges, and they soak up information from everything that they do. When they go into any form of childcare with education, or you start with home education, they start to spark that love of learning even earlier.
Many of the learning skills they need to make good progress in a traditional school setting are enjoyed and worked on a little earlier – and it can mean that they get the best start ahead of formal education if that is the route you are choosing.
Big Future
While none of us know what the future is to bring, and even the best education can’t future-proof us – early learning does have a benefit.
Some studies have shown that children who participate in early education, so education between 0-5 years, tend to be employed at a higher rate and often continuously after graduating from university.
The reason for this is that during the early years of education, children benefit from emotional and social interactions, and the combination supports academic performance.
Letter and Numbers
While learning to read and write will come in time, literacy and numeracy run a little deeper than just understanding letters and numbers. These skills can be learned through play, listening to stories, playing in water and sand, using blocks, and so much more.
Some research has shown that children who attended early years learning performed better in early literacy testing, and this continued through the lower years of schooling.
Routine & Habit
Almost everyone benefits from routine. It helps us get set up for success in terms of how and when we sleep, too – giving us a better rest.
Childcare will help your child get into a routine, from when they need to get up to when they get a morning snack, which activities happen when lunch and nap time is. Everything becomes a routine, and routines are easier to plan around.
Social Skills
Social skills develop early, and the earlier, the better. Early years socializing can also be a great way to spot if there might be some development delays or something going on that your GP can help you with. Socializing early means children will understand how to build friendships and communicate well. Socializing is also possible with playgroups and clubs too!
Emotional regulation is something that children learn over time, but it can be helped hugely by their surroundings, and part of early years education will help them master it (to an age-appropriate level).
