The importance of early childhood
It is recognised now beyond doubt that early childhood is the most important stage in life.
It is the time when we learn most, when the brain develops at its fastest rate.
Early childhood experiences shape our brain power and are key to our physical and mental health.
In the first 5 years, we master at least one language, learn to manage everything from walking and running to summersaults, and we come to understand much about how the world works and how people relate to one another.
It is also the most important time for building good self- image and confidence and a sense of our own competence.
Parents are the most important teachers in those early years but they don’t have to do all the work alone.
The Importance of Preschool
Early childhood services are there to help you. In preschool, your child has the opportunity to spend time in a safe, stimulating and caring environment with other adults and children.
These adults are trained to support your child’s learning and development. It is for this reason that the Government has put funding in place to make sure every child has an opportunity to attend.
Here are 4 good reasons for sending your child to a preschool service:
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Your child develops his/her skills and abilities and shares them with other children. This sense of competence stays with them as they move into school and on through life. Feeling competent is key to every child’s sense of Well-being
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Your child learns to make sense of the world around him/her and to fit in with and relate to other children and adults. Feeling connected to and valued by others is key to his/her sense of Identity and Belonging
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Your child develops more skills for communicating– with language, with gestures, with painting, with dance and music and rhyme and song. Being able to our ideas, thoughts, intentions and feelings is the key to a happy and successful life.
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Early childhood services are all about creating opportunities for exploring and thinking. The spaces, routines and adult supports are structured to encourage children to explore the world through interesting and playful activities. They develop thinking skills – skills that help them to think creatively and logically – skills that make them into powerful lifelong learners.
