If you are the parent of a young child, your thoughts will turn to their very first introduction to education, which is known as nursery, kindergarten or day care. In this short article, we take an in-depth look at early learning and offer valuable information on what makes a good early learning program.
The importance of inclusivity
It is paramount that every day care centre practices inclusivity, so that no child is left behind. Inclusivity teaches children that we are all equal, regardless of gender, religion, race and physical and mental abilities. Your local nursery in Penrith is a fine example of an inclusive learning environment, where all children are treated equally and the staff are perfect role models to help the children understand inclusivity.
Security
Of course, physical security is essential; parents might have biometric solutions that allow access to the facility, while CCTV cameras would cover all locations. The facility would have a secure access gate, and if a parent wishes to nominate another person to collect their child, this must be arranged in advance.
Developing social skills
As you would expect, there are no academics in a nursery; rather, the children are taught social skills, which are essential when they enter pre-school, such as sharing, understanding manners, and helping those who need it. The carers are perfect role models, and the children quickly adopt these essential social skills, which empower them to enjoy a successful life. Click here for an informative article on how to make learning fun for young kids.
Learning through play
Young kids need to be involved in fun-based learning activities, which is the best learning strategy. They are simply not ready for the discipline that academic learning requires, which comes later when they enter Year 1. A typical day would involve a series of short, fun activities, plus time when kids can engage with their favourite learning resources.
Parental participation
It is essential that parents feel welcome to become involved in their child’s learning, and a good day care centre would have a system where parents and carers can communicate on a daily basis. This might be done using a notebook or an online system, depending on the nursery.
Healthy food and snacks
Good nutrition is vital for growing children, and you won’t find unhealthy foods or drinks at a top-rated nursery, whether in Penrith or any other Australian town. If you would like to tour your local nursery, search online for their website, and you can book a tour. It is not a good idea to simply turn up, as the staff need to prepare for visitors.
Don’t make the mistake of choosing a nursery simply because it is near your home; make sure that the nursery is registered with the government and that they have qualified staff who love working with young kids. Visit the facility and prepare a list of questions to ask, and if all seems fine, take your child for a visit before their first day, which will help to relax them.