LACKING SPICE?
If you're one of the few parents who are able to stay at home with your children, you
are among the truly fortunate as many parents are forced to enroll their children in some type of
child care program.
Those who are fortunate enough to stay at home to raise their children typically wish to take
full advantage of this opportunity by attempting to give their children a head start on learning;
reading to them, engaging in educational play activities, encouraging them to read, and more.
Unfortunately, very few parents are able to touch on all of these areas.
This is where young children can benefit tremendously from attendance at a certified child care
center, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators. While a teacher cannot replace
a parent, the experience of learning in a school setting during the early years can be a valuable
supplement to a child's experience at a time when the brain is most flexible and is rapidly developing.
SPICE
This is where trained, certified early childhood educators can "fill the gaps" when it comes to a
young child's development. For example, were you as a parent aware that there are five equally
important areas of a young child's development? These are summed up by the acronym, "SPICE"
– Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.
Social development involves the way a child relates to others and functions in a group setting.
This development is especially crucial for those children who come from a home without other
children. The importance of socialization in a structured environment is something that a
preschool environment can help young children with.
Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross, like running and walking,
to fine skills like holding and pen or pencil.
Intellectual development is often achieved through structured play, and of course means
development of language and math skills. This also includes the child's innate sense of curiosity
and wonder.
Creative development addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even
theatrics. Believe it or not, it is the foundation self-expression and problem solving.
Emotional development is frequently overlooked, even by the most devoted parents. Yet, without
a sense of self, including self confidence and the discipline to deal with one's own emotional
responses, a child will have difficulty functioning in society later in life.
The Professional Advantage
It is likely that most parents are aware of these developmental domains on an instinctive level.
However, certified preschool educators are trained in the scientific theory and methodology thatcan make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.
So if you are forced to send your young child to a preschool program, be sure to take the time
to do the research and find a good fit for your child. By sending them to certified educators you
can help them develop skills that will help them later in life, things that can be and are central to
success in school later on.
Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas
Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Austin child care
facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose educational child care
schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to
delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their
preschools.
