Should Childcare Really Be Optional?

[Micheal Alexander]

Preschool, sometimes called nursery, pre-primary, or playschool, is a form of early childhood education. Most preschools accommodate children ages 3 to 5 in the years before they are old enough to enter primary school. Quality preschools use play-based curriculums designed to help children develop crucial skills they need to succeed in primary school and beyond.

There is a marked difference between daycare and preschool. Whilst daycare may have some of the same play-based learning activities as preschool, its main purpose is childminding. Preschool programs must include enriched learning experiences that stimulate a child’s development in all key areas.

Preschool is not compulsory in Australia, but the federal government is committed to studying its benefits and providing appropriate funding for family subsidies. To help determine if preschool is the right fit for your child, we explored the advantages and disadvantages. Child Care Moorebank

How children benefit from preschool
Early childhood education is one of the most effective ways to help your child develop the cognitive, emotional, and social skills needed to prepare them for compulsory education at primary school. Quality preschools stoke imagination and build self-esteem. Children have numerous opportunities throughout the day to interact with their peers through play. Here are some of the advantages to enrolling your child in a quality preschool program.

1. Developing good habits
Preschools operate on daily routines. Children enrolled in these programs learn the value of following a schedule. It provides them with an added sense of safety and security when they know what to expect throughout the day. The goal is to encourage children to take the initiative in everyday tasks like getting dressed.

2. Building emotional resilience
Learning how to use problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations is a hallmark of any good preschool program. Building emotional resilience helps children develop healthy relationships with others whilst learning how to collaborate and communicate.

3. Fostering lifelong learning
When children are encouraged from a very early age to engage in learning, they develop a healthy appetite for continuing to grow their knowledge throughout their lifetimes. Instilling children with a positive attitude about knowledge can help them gain greater control of their educational independence.

Disadvantages of preschool
There are two distinct disadvantages of some preschool programs. The first is that not all preschools can accommodate children with developmental delays. Children with developmental delays may find the pace of preschool frustrating, which can lead to feelings of alienation. There are state and federal programs in place to provide needed support for mainstreaming children with disabilities into preschool programs.

Another disadvantage of some preschools is they place too much focus on academics. Preschool-aged children learn best in a play-based learning environment. Advancing children ahead too far academically can backfire, leading to frustration and a dislike for schooling. Preschool should help children develop a love of learning, not make them dread entering primary school.

Lastly, preschools that do not maintain ideal student-to-teacher ratios or employ educators with proper training in child development can inhibit social-emotional development.

Choosing a quality program
Joey's Cottage Childcare Centre is classified as long day cares, which is very similar to preschool. The main difference is our programs operate from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. to accommodate working families. To learn more about our centre, visit us at joeyscottage.com.au