When your baby turns one, you may feel like they’re learning so much that it’s hard to keep up. But actually, your baby’s first year of life is when they learn the most. Between learning to walk and talk and exploring their world, your baby will naturally engage with different situations and circumstances. While most children love to be cuddled and held, they also love to learn and explore. So when they’re ready to start school, what should you do? Where should you send them?
The early learning centre is one option. They provide an environment where children can explore and experiment with different tasks and situations. Some centers even have a mini-school yard with children sitting around a table learning about colours, shapes, and sizes. There are even some which offer a multicultural experience by including children from different backgrounds such as English, French, and Spanish speaking families.
If you’re interested in giving your baby the educational experiences they need while also having some fun, then the early learning centre might be right for you. Here are some more reasons why you should consider sending your baby to an early learning centre.
Increased Independence
As they get older, your baby will naturally start to learn more and more on their own. But until then, you need to be there to help them when they need it. One of the biggest obstacles your baby faces is deciding what to eat and drink. Since they have no control over this area, they may struggle with independence. But by sending them to an early learning centre, you can show them that they have options and that you trust them to make the right choice for their wellbeing.
Most importantly, by being in an educational setting your baby will learn what kinds of situations they should avoid and which ones they should try to embrace. For instance, if they see other kids their age playing in the yard, they may feel like they want to join in. But since the early learning centre is a controlled environment, you can rest assured that your baby won’t hurt themselves by doing something wrong.
Improved Social Skills
Even before your baby can walk or talk, they understand the world around them. And given that they’re still growing, it’s a good idea to enclose them in a security blanket of sorts. For example, when they’re in the pram or stroller, you can pull up alongside some bushes or trees to block out the view from outside. This might help improve their social skills while also giving them some privacy.
At the same time, you can encourage them to interact with other children. Since they’re already used to people, they may not see the need to be shy or afraid. Plus, having other children around may be a nice contrast to the relatively quieter environment of the early learning centre.
Overall, an early learning centre provides a safe and nurturing space for your baby to grow and learn. And given that it’s a controlled environment, you can be sure they’ll have fun while also getting the education they need.
