Little minds are ever curious and changing. During the first five years, a child’s brain develops more rapidly than at any other time in their life.

A young child’s experiences create a foundation for learning and behaviour, which can be enhanced greatly through early childhood education. Research has shown quality early childhood programs significantly improve academic and life outcomes. For example, children who attended preschool performed better in Year 3 academic assessments, according to the Department of Education and Training.

We understand the anxiety of parents who are deciding whether to send their little ones to childcare. Sometimes, finding the right place can make all the difference. This is why a quality centre should be a caring space with a consistent routine and an environment that inspires a lifelong love of learning.

So, what exactly will your child gain?

These are six of the many benefits of early childhood education:

1. Social skills

A significant benefit of early childhood education is the interaction between children and their peers. Young children are naturally self-focused and tend to think others see the world the way they do. By spending time together, playing together, preschoolers learn invaluable social skills, including:

• Turn-taking
• Cooperating
• Helping others
• Managing conflict
• Flexibility
• Empathy
• Assertiveness
• Negotiation

It’s important preschoolers begin to develop skills that lead to good friendships. Humans are interdependent, and relationships are vital for a person’s mental health. Parents or carers are the most important influences on young children, but they also need to learn how to navigate the world with those in their age group.

2. Qualified educators and staff

As qualified specialists, educators have been trained to understand children’s developmental needs and milestones. They observe and evaluate each child’s physical, mental and social development, and identify any problems or concerns, which are then communicated to parents. Their daily observations are the key to knowing your child’s interests.

A good educator will adapt teaching methods to meet the differing needs of students and their interests. They know how to facilitate play that helps children develop fine and gross motor skills, creativity and a love for learning.

A good educator will adapt teaching methods to meet the differing needs of students and their interests. They know how to facilitate play that helps children develop fine and gross motor skills, creativity and a love for learning.

3. Healthy eating habits

An early education program where all meals are included is an exciting opportunity for children to develop healthy eating habits through exposure to nutritious meals and information about the importance of food. Our Nutritional Menu has been created by the Messiah of Munchkin food: Annabel Karmel and brings everything your child needs at each age, with a very yummy twist!

Positive attitudes towards food are formed in the early years. Preschoolers also learn about proper food etiquette and social skills around the table.

4. Physical literacy – the precursor to reading and writing

Children need to move their bodies to learn about themselves and their world. It’s also a vital part of brain development!

Early education centres are designed to be completely safe environments with an outdoor component to give children a chance to take calculated risks without fear for safety. It allows freedom of movement in a ‘yes’ space, all under the watchful eye of an educator.

5. Exposure to diversity

Children learn about the world around them through their experiences. Early childhood education helps children appreciate differences through exposure to peers from another culture, ethnicity or worldview. They learn everyone is unique and valued. Even a simple meal can teach children about various religious practices, those who suffer allergies and cultural traditions.

Another great way for children to learn about diversity and other cultures is through an early education program that incorporates language classes, such as the lessons taught at all Kids Club early learning centres.

6. Strengthens immune system

When young children enter childcare, they can frequently become ill. It is usually a child’s first consistent exposure to a large group environment. By fighting off illnesses at a young age, the child’s immune system becomes stronger and they are less likely to stay home sick when they begin school – which is an important period of learning to read and write. It’s impossible to develop resistance to all viruses and there are other factors at play, but early exposure generally means they are better prepared.

All these benefits of early childhood education help children prepare for big school, and for life.