Early education centres are becoming more and more popular in Australia every single year. While traditional daycare centres and after school care facilities still exist, an early education centre, while functioning as a daycare centre, is so much more than being a safe place you can leave preschool-aged children for the day.
Let’s take a look at the modern early education centre, what it is and what one can offer both children and parents.
What Is An Early Education Centre?
As mentioned in the introduction, early education centres are far more than just a daycare centre. Sure, it’s a place where young children can safely spend the day, under expert supervision, while parents are at work or attending to other activities, but early education facilities offer a broad spectrum of activities that are designed to educate, enhance the positive development of young bodies and minds and also to prepare kids for the school years to come.
Let’s now look at some of the key benefits of enrolling your child in a quality early education centre.
The School Readiness Program
Rather than children starting school “cold” and with no experience, early education centres offer what’s commonly known as a “school readiness program” or “school preparedness program”. The idea of the program is to offer a varied curriculum of education and activities that gives kids a head start once they do start school.
One of the most important aspects of the school readiness program is it’s also designed to build self-confidence in young children, along with important social skills. When children arrive for their first day at school, everything won’t feel completely new and foreign to them. They will also likely have made some friends at the early learning centre that they’ll be starting school with too.
The Basics of Education Are Covered
While each early education centre will offer a slightly different curriculum, they will all offer basic education so children already have a grasp of core subjects like science, math and English before starting primary school.
Two key programs ensure the head start in education you’ll want for your child. These programs are:
- THRASS
- STEM
THRASS covers things like literacy, involving handwriting, reading and spelling skills. Developed in 1998, THRASS has proven to be a highly effective teaching method.
STEM represents “science, technology, engineering and mathematics”. Children will receive an introduction to numeracy skills as well as undertaking Computer Gym.
Both programs are interactive and designed to be fun for kids, as this helps them to grasp the concepts more readily and learn easier.
Health and Nutrition Are Covered
It’s important that children learn about health and nutrition at an early age, as this will set them up for a healthy lifestyle for the rest of their lives. Parents often struggle to get children to eat vegetables and other healthy food. Part of the reason is it can be difficult to get kids to understand why this is important and there are effective ways of teaching good nutrition to young kids.
Early learning centres have developed methods for children to better understand why eating healthy is important, along with delivery methods that encourage kids to eat good food that’s also delicious.
Health and nutrition isn’t the only thing covered when it comes to developing healthy bodies and minds. There are also fun exercise programs and activities, where children develop their fitness levels and have fun in the process while attending an early education facility. These activities not only improve fitness and general physical development, but they are also designed to instil self-confidence in kids.
Music Therapy Is Very Beneficial
While not every early learning centre in Australia makes use of music therapy, many centres do and for good reason.
Music therapy programs are fantastic for developing the minds of young children and expanding their capacity to learn and absorb information. Music is rare in that it requires both sides of the brain to process it. This leads to a mind that is more open and receptive.
Children also learn to be more creative and appreciate the power of music at a very young age.
The Takeaway
Early education centres play a crucial role in your child’s development, providing essential skills and social interactions that lay the foundation for lifelong learning. By understanding their benefits and offerings, you can make an informed choice for your child’s future. Incorporating transition songs for preschool can also support your child in adapting to the new environment, making the experience more enjoyable.
Every parent should consider sending their child to an early learning centre, as doing so ensures they receive a positive start in life prior to the school years.
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