While children are not required to attend school prior to kindergarten, education professionals agree that early education plays a vital role in a child’s development. Preschool services help to better prepare children for entering kindergarten by teaching the six valuable life lessons below.

1. Independence From Parents

As difficult as this can be for parents to hear, child care programs play an essential role in helping children to develop independence from their parents. It is important to remember that independence is not a lack of respect, but instead is a natural part of the growing process. For example, if a child is used to spending most of their time with mommy and daddy, it will only make the first day of kindergarten that much harder for the child, the parents, and the teacher.

2. The Importance of Sharing

Even if there are other kids in the home, sharing between siblings is not always an accurate representative of the balance of sharing that can be achieved in child care programs. Since the sharing will be among peers instead of family members, a different set of skills are developed that will benefit your child later in life.

3. Structured Learning Environment

Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers.   Not all parents have an in-depth knowledge of preschool education, and a quality child care  will provide a more structured environment to help your child learn and grow. This will include a balance of both group learning and one-on-one learning that will help stimulate your child’s development.

4. Improved Social Skills

There are many ways in which preschool services will help to further develop and improve a child’s social skills. Many children are comfortable being vocal with family members, but may not be as communicative when outside the home or around other people. Child care services give children the opportunity to interact with peers, as well as adults, to help expand their vocabulary and build their confidence.

5. Discipline

While all parents teach discipline in the home, there is a different level of discipline required in the classroom. For example, when at home kids may have more freedom to do as they please during the day – but child care programs will reserve specific times of day for activities such as art, music, reading and play. Learning the discipline needed to maintain a daily routine will help them all throughout their schooling.

6. Versatility in Activities

Another benefit to daily child care services is  the variety of daily activities. Child care programs give your children access to a huge selection of new toys to play with, instruments to try and educational tools to use that may not be found in the home. The environment allows for a wider range of group activities as well, allowing your child to explore their interests among their peers and discover new things.

Attending a preschool full-time or just a few days per week will go a long way in expanding their early development. Open new doors of opportunity for your child by enrolling them in one of the child care programs from Tender Care Learning Centers. At each Tender Care Learning Center location, our team of dedicated teachers and staff put your child’s needs first to help prepare them for future success in and out of the classroom. Enroll your son or daughter in your local Tender Care Learning Center today and let us help your child grow.