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April 18, 2013

The Benefits of Child Care Go Beyond One Day

Putting the mommy wars aside, all parents—working full time or part time, work-at-home or stay-at-home—understand the benefits that an educational childcare provider can offer: socialization, positive learning experiences and relationship-building skills. According to a National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) study, high-quality child care is linked to better cognitive development through age 4½ and to more positive social behaviors through age 3.

It’s tempting for parents to try and have the best of both worlds by enrolling for one-day-a-week care, but an education-based childcare center is not to be confused with a babysitting service that gives parents a day to themselves. One-day-a-week care can have adverse effects. It can be a challenge for the child to establish relationships with classmates or teachers because the constant, steady interaction with these individuals is missing. Teachers are successful educators when they can read a child’s cues, ensuring they don’t overstimulate or can prevent a meltdown. If a child is only in class one day a week, it will take much longer for a teacher to understand their behavior traits.

Additionally, children strive on routines, as they feel most secure when their life is predictable. That feeling of safety lets them explore their surroundings and builds confidence. Enrolling your child for the same one day every week may be a routine to you, but young children have little concept of time. One day a week does not give the child the ability to adapt to the routine of child care, including: drop off, saying goodbye, the class schedule (naps, lunch, etc.). This inconsistency can lead to her acting out the next day as she struggles to adjust.

To find out more about educational child care or enrollment, please visit www.doodlebugs.com.