How Children Benefit From Daycare and Preschool

There’s no denying preschool and daycare play an important role in children’s social and mental development.

They both challenge children to accept new life experiences and practice group activities alongside in a stimulating social environment with other children their age.

And current research only reinforces this narrative.

A recent research study from Sorbonne University in Paris tracked more than 1,400 children, concluding that children who attended daycare centers were “less likely to have high levels of emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and conduct problems.”

So, how exactly does the daycare experience contribute to these important life lessons that every young child must learn?

Defining Daycare and Preschool

Daycare centers aim to provide a safe environment for young children to experience a variety of group activities while addressing their developmental needs. Popular activities include:

1. Arts and crafts
2. Storytime
3. Show and tell
4. Music
5. Outdoor exercise

While preschool differs immensely from later schooling, which will cover more “hard” topics like mathematics and science in depth, all the “soft” skills learned here are still invaluable to a child's cognitive development.

How Can My Child Benefit From Daycare?

No matter what stage of development your child is in right now, daycare can offer plenty of benefits for any point in early childhood. From toddlers to older kids, there is both fun to be had and lessons to be learned.

1. The first few months of a baby’s life are a vital point of growth and development. Daycare offers the perfect foundation for initial care and building up a sense of security.
   
   
2. The first few years during a toddler’s life are when social skills really start sprouting. At this point, children want to seek group play activities like arts and crafts and show and tell.
   
   
3. Even older children a few years old still benefit from daycare programs, as more advanced opportunities to develop important social and personal skills matter at this stage.
   

The term “preschool” is fairly descriptive here, as it’s a way to help children get ready for academic schooling later in life.

The Primary Advantages of Daycare For Children

That being said, what exactly are the explicit advantages of the daycare or preschool years beyond just crafting beautiful memories?

Developing Social and Personal Skills

One of the most well-known benefits of daycare is the chance to socialize and interact with many other children, an opportunity rarely seen at home. In a supervised environment like a preschool, qualified teachers are able to direct children gradually to positive social experiences.

The result, of course, is a stronger ability to make and keep friends later in life. Kids pick up other beneficial traits that will serve them well for the rest of their lives:

1. Emotional intelligence
2. Compassion and understanding
3. Problem-solving and conflict resolution
4. Teamwork

Making connections with fellow classmates also helps build meaningful communication skills and encourages children to express themselves confidently in a safe environment.

Participating in a Community

Ever heard the classic proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”? Communities are essential parts of any child’s development. Kids can be exposed to all types of families, lifestyles, and viewpoints. They can find new role models and make connections during preschool.

Getting Used to Consistent Routines and Schedules

It’s not uncommon for daycare teachers to post a schedule for the day on the wall. Activities like lunch time, going out for a walk, show and tell, and nap time get their own dedicated time slots.

This consistent schedule reflects what children can expect later in life, and getting used to a structured routine gets them prepared for grade school, university, and even beyond. Many child psychologists even theorize that future success relies heavily on the stability of the child care environment.

It also makes the day predictable, and children often feel more in control and more confident about their actions as a result.

Learning To Become Independent

While you certainly don’t have to worry about your kids moving out soon, picking up some skills to encourage independent thinking and self-care is immensely beneficial as children grow up.

This advantage also extends to the parents as well. You’ll have more time at home to devote to taking care of the household or fulfilling family duties.

Picking Up Good Health Habits

Child care centers function as promoters of healthy habits, which can impact your children’s wellbeing for the rest of their lives. For instance, daycare can encourage:

1. Healthy eating: Daycare staff act as role models for choosing healthier options at lunch time. Kids are more likely to try new foods at child care centers as well, as referenced by a scientific study in Oklahoma.
   
   
2. Checkups: From vaccinations to doctor’s appointments, child care allows kids to become familiarized with positive health habits. One study even finds a connection between child care quality and adult cardiovascular health.
   
   
3. Immunity: Children are exposed to potentially more germs at daycare, but this exposure actually helps boost their immune responses and prevents sickness later in life.

Not only can children be healthier and happier as they grow older, but they’ll also take fewer sick days and face fewer life disruptions when grade school begins.

Ensuring Better Home Lives

Don’t worry; as a parent, you get a cut of the pie too! The benefits of daycare extend into the families of the children. In fact, one University of Chicago study shows us that childcare “boosts social capital” for parents. Those few moments you’re interacting with other parents and staff at the daycare center develops a sense of community and boosts trust in the daycare center as a whole.

A combination of happier children and happier parents naturally flows into an ideal consequence: daycare helps families thrive in their communities. And more positive parental involvement in the process of raising a child is never a bad thing.

Readying Up For Future Schooling

Whether we’re talking about kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, or beyond, preschool is meant to prepare kids for future schooling. They can pick up important skills like:

1. Counting and numbers
2. The alphabet and basic literacy
3. Communication and teamwork

Daycare staff play a significant role here. Kids in preschool care are exposed to these professional role models who will help them in their journey. Various personal skills like respect, perseverance, and manners can be traced directly to the adults setting a good example.

Find the Perfect Daycare Center For Your Little Ones
Interested in helping your kids get a head start in life? Take advantage of all the benefits of daycare or preschool by checking out Kinderville’s early child care centers. Our passionate caregivers have been working with young children since the 1990s. Check us out today.