Homeschooling or an early learning center?
Parenthood is full of difficult decisions, and choosing between homeschooling and a daycare center is no different. So it’s not surprising that homeschooling is becoming increasingly popular, especially among young families. While homeschooling has always been controversial among parents and teachers alike, it can offer your child some incredible early learning benefits.
That said, the downside to homeschooling needs to be spoken about as well. But, on the whole, homeschooling is like any other schooling practice in that it has its pros and cons.
Let’s compare homeschooling and early childhood learning centers, so you can make the right informed decision for your child.
Homeschooling: The Early Years
When your children are small, life is the curriculum. And this is a significant advantage of homeschooling. Homeschooling can work whether a child is ahead, behind, reserved, outgoing, creative, gifted, or active. It’s a schooling method that aims to meet your child where they are.
When you decide to homeschool, you will take on the duties and responsibilities of a teacher, administrator, and parent. This means you can create your own curriculum that caters to your child’s learning styles and interests as well as their strengths and weaknesses. You’re assured that creativity and imagination are nurtured, not stifled.
Plus, as a parent, you have an in-depth understanding of your child’s needs and how to meet them, which gives you an advantage as your child’s primary educator.
But there’s still the question of socialization. It’s often said that homeschooled children struggle socially as the approach can inhibit their interactive and relationship-building skills. Yet, socialization is as invaluable as customized, one-on-one learning in the early years. In addition, early learning socialization techniques allow your child to develop essential life skills like teamwork, sharing, and showing respect for others.
Staying Proactive
When homeschooling, it’s crucial to enroll your child in activities such as dance classes, community service programs, or art classes. Such programs provide plenty of social interaction with other kids and allow your children to make friends. However, the opportunities for socialization are limited compared to early learning centers where children can interact as part of the learning process, allowing children to learn from one another and gain different perspectives.
The slower pace of learning is one downside to homeschooling. Parents who do not have teaching experience may not be able to transfer knowledge to their children effectively. In addition, a slower pace of delivery can lead to frustration, confusion, and a loss of interest in learning.
In early learning centers, children are under the care of experienced professionals who can adequately gauge your child and their potential to create a learning program that fits their needs. As a result, your child can progress faster and develop more advanced skills.
So, What’s Better?
It all comes down to what you feel would work best for your child!
When done right, homeschooling can be an ideal alternative for parents. It offers plenty of early learning benefits by providing a safe environment where your children can learn and grow. Early learning centers, on the other hand, have an added advantage. They create an environment that allows your child to transition to a traditional school environment past the early years. Contact us today if you have any questions!