Childcare in a centre? but there are so many options!

There are many options of centre based childcare. So many parents aren't even sure what the different programs are. Often they hear play based learning and assume the children are left to play all day long. Some parents think of Montessori programs as too structured. There are so many options out there and it is nice to understand what exactly they mean and how they are run. This will help you to decide what program best meets your children's abilities, personality and family beliefs and values on education.

Now I am going to be honest with you. I am a strong advocate for play based learning. I have done the research and I have worked with children for 14 years. I do admire the other programs and will remain completely unbiased and open in this blog. The one thing all these programs agree on is that your child can socialize with other children when they are in a program and that socialisation is such an important part of child development.

Let us first take a look at Play Based Learning

There are different programs that run play based learning. There are Reggio Emilia play based programs and emergent curriculum play based learning. I will focus on Emergent curriculum right now since this is the curriculum path that most centres are following and most child care colleges, university programs and associations are focusing on. Bottom line is with the research coming out on brain development there is a lot of evidence that believes that play shapes the brain and helps it to grow. 

The emergent curriculum is shaped by the children's individual and groups interests, needs and abilities. Educators in the room interact with the children during play and observe and document the children's interests to create a program plan for the room. Caregivers in the room will be given program planning time and will brainstorm together to come up with creative and fun ways for the children to really learn and discover a topic they are interested in to it's fullest and until the children's interests begin to shift and flow into another direction. Reggio Emilia schools are one program that uses the idea of emergent curriculum in its curriculum. Because the programming is based on the children's interests and abilities in the room the result is more effective and measurable growth and development for the individual children. it is also been proven that it decreases incidents and behaviour problems that could arise in a room because the children are more engaged in topics they are interested in. Educators will add the different new interests and ideas to different play areas in the room. Helping children to discover, learn and grow while being exposed to verbalization, interactions, socializaton, pre-writting skills, pre-reading skills, exposure to numbers, shapes, letters open ended questions, self concept, cognitive development and critical thinking.

Play based programs are laid out in a physical environment that allows for children to go to different centres for active play, quiet time, reading corners and creative centres...Children roam freely and let their imaginations take them where they want to go as they discover and learn. It is not guided by the educator but by the group. The educator asks questions and engages the children in dialect and interacts with them to help them learn and discover. Children are creative with open ended art activities and are not told how certain equipment should or shouldn't be used. They are free to discover, learn and be creative.

Montessori Programs

Montessori programs believe in independence but with the freedom does come limits.Montessori programs believe in mixed aged classrooms and children are given a choice of activities to practice life skills and promote development. the programs offer special educational equipment that is used in the program.

Here is what someone from a forum about Montessori schools says

Montessori education is based on the theories of Dr. Maria Montessori.  It emphasizes learning through all five senses and allowing children to work on activities that are of interest to them.  (In my experience, Montessori teachers gently guide children to be sure they work on a variety of things that are developmentally appropriate.)  I think that Montessori is better for children who have a good enough attention span to be able to work on an activity for a while without constant supervision; that’s just my impression, not something I have sources to back up. One thing to be aware of is that "Montessori" is not a trademarked or otherwise protected term--anyone can say they are running a Montessori program.  So you’ll want to look at what a school’s actual approach and curriculum are. My daughter attended a Montessori preschool, and it was a fantastic experience.  My son attended a traditional daycare, and it was also a fantastic experience.  I think that having a caring and competent staff is more important than the educational philosophy a school follow.

You will discover what best suits your family and child by visiting different centres and sitting in with your child. preschool programs are usually half day programs and often they sell themselves as more educational than a daycare. This is not necessarily the truth. Each program is different and may offer different curriculums. You should visit a few of all options before making a choice. Also know that the educators all come from a similar background - they have all studied in early childhood education but just like yourself has chosen the path that they felt best suited them. The only difference here are levels of training, education and years of experience. Montessori educators often have done some Montessori training as well. 

We will continue our childcare programs discovery this week, tomorrow we examine dayhomes and nannies! till then

xx