Johannesburg - The brain of a newborn is only 25% of its adult size but rapidly grows in the first few years of life, forming over a million neural connections per second.
This period of rapid brain development is crucial for a child’s future learning, behaviour and health, and quality early education and nurturing can help maximise a child’s potential, @Sandton Kids creche headmistress Clarissa Louw explained.
During the first five years of a child’s development, the experiences the child has play a major role in shaping his/her development.
Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres play a vital role in preparing children for school and promoting their physical, mental and social development from birth to age eight, providing children with foundational skills necessary for later learning.
Why is ECD education so crucial in providing children with foundational skills they need for later learning through play-based activities and experiences?
Children who receive quality ECD education are more likely to have better outcomes in academics, cognitive abilities and social-emotional development, such as better self-regulation, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Quality early education can help fill achievement gaps and increase the likelihood of tertiary education later in life. Teacher and peer interactions in preschools are essential for a child’s emotional, social and physical development as these experiences shape the adult they will become.
Louw has provided the following general signs that can help you determine whether an ECD centre is well run and meets all the relevant criteria:
– Qualified and trained staff. Look for centres with teachers and staff who have the proper training, certification and experience in early childhood education.
– A safe and clean environment. Ensure that the centre has a safe, clean and well-maintained environment that promotes children’s health and well-being.
– Age-appropriate activities and materials. Check that the centre provides a variety of age-appropriate activities and materials that support children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
– Positive interactions and relationships. Observe how teachers and staff interact with children and whether they provide supportive and nurturing interactions.
– Communication with families. A good ECD centre should have open communication with families, keeping them updated on their child’s development and progress.
– Focus on play-based learning. Good ECD centres prioritise play-based learning as play is a crucial component of children’s development.
– Flexibility and adaptation to individual needs. A good centre should be able to adapt to individual children’s needs and provide a flexible and inclusive environment.
– Regular assessments and evaluations. The centre should regularly assess and evaluate children’s progress to ensure they are on track for their developmental milestones.
Attending a quality ECD centre can have numerous benefits for a child’s development, such as boosting their eagerness to learn, social skills, self-confidence and attention span, as well as encouraging empathy, creativity and teamwork.
So how do you choose the right ECD centre for your child?
First, you must determine your needs and priorities and take into consideration your child’s age, learning style and any special needs he/she may have. The next step would be to research and compare centres.
Look for centres that meet your needs and priorities and compare their offerings, location, cost and hours of operation. Remember to check for accreditation from a recognised ECD organisation as this indicates they meet certain quality standards.
Once you have a shortlist, visit the centre. Schedule a visit to observe the environment, the staff’s interaction with children and the activities and materials available.
Do not be afraid to ask questions during your visit about the centre’s curriculum, policies and procedures to ensure they align with your expectations.
Getting feedback from families with children who attend the centre is also a great way to establish if that particular ECD centre would be a good fit for your family. Most importantly, trust your instincts.
Choose a centre that you feel comfortable with and that you believe will provide a positive experience for your child.
By following these steps, you can choose the right ECD centre for your children and ensure that they receive the best possible start on their educational journeys.