When you have a child, preschool and daycare start to matter faster than expected. Children as young as six months old can be sent to daycare. Most children begin developing routine sleeping and eating habits at this tender age. However, it’s not uncommon for daycares to accept babies starting at six weeks old.
As a parent, it’s only natural that you’re nervous about sending your newborn to daycare. Unfortunately, separation anxiety generally goes both ways. All you can do is ensure you leave your child in the hands of capable, well-experienced professionals. Your best bet is researching daycare centers ahead of time to find the right childcare setting.
So, what can your newborn child learn in daycare?
Development & Activities for Newborns and Infants in Daycare
Out-of-home child care for infants, when done well, can enrich a child’s early experience. The building blocks of learning and socialization can be instilled while children are pretty young.
- Your child will interact with various adults and other children, helping them develop skills for social development at a young age.
- Daycares follow a consistent schedule, even for the youngest children. Structured environments can help your child develop healthy sleeping and eating habits.
- It’s never too early for a child to develop strong communication skills. Because a daycare includes children of different ages, it’s an excellent environment for your child to pick up vocabulary, communication cues, and expressions.
- Quality caregivers provide high levels of emotional and behavioral support, which can help enhance a child’s cognitive and social competence.
- Every child has a unique approach to learning, which is evident even in newborns. Some children listen, while others are hands-on learners. Activities for infants in daycare settings consider all learning styles, helping your child grasp new information.
Quality child care providers know the importance of forming secure attachments with young children. They are sensitive to a baby’s needs and deeply understand child development stages. As such, they take great care to ensure that all your child’s needs are met effectively.
It’s no secret that babies thrive in surroundings where they receive a great deal of one-on-one attention from a caregiver. For this reason, it’s crucial to assess the child-to-staff ratio at the daycare center you choose. The younger the children they take in, the more adults there should be.
Choosing the Best Day Care Facility for Your Family
Choosing a child care option for your child is an important decision. And that’s why it’s never too early to start looking. There are many activities for newborns and infants in daycare that help improve their fine motor skills and social and mental development. In addition, child care providers carefully create environments where children of all ages can be stimulated through fun, engaging and beneficial activities.
However, if you have any misgivings about the daycare, it’s essential to trust your instincts. You should never feel obligated or permanently committed to any childcare situation. Always do what is best for you and your family.
Contact The Learning Center
Contact us to learn more about our early childhood education programs in Windsor, South Windsor, and Manchester, CT. You may reach us at (860) 643-8639 or visit our contact page.