How much do you know about childcare? What are your expectations for a childcare center? Many childcare centers are essentially babysitting services. If your only goal is to have someone keep your child safe and entertained while you’re at work, this type of center might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an environment that encourages your child to develop a lifelong love of learning, the average daycare center may not be right for your family.
A typical childcare takes children from 6 weeks old through elementary school. Many pick up from school for afterschool programs, which is convenient. Children in a reputable childcare are well-tended. Their day runs on a schedule of snacks, meals, activities, play time, and naps. Most childcares are good at communicating with parents, offering detailed information about the child’s day, including what was eaten at mealtime, how many diapers were changed, and the goals for the child’s learning.
Teachers in childcare centers vary in education. Often, childcare workers are underpaid and have only a high school education. If the primary goal is to supervise the children when their parents are at work, providing entertainment and some learning opportunities through worksheets, songs and stories, then a high school education is sufficient. The primary concern is that the workers have a rapport with the children, and care for their well-being.
Some childcare centers employ aspects of the Montessori Method, with good reason. The techniques used in Montessori schools encourage children’s curiosity and help them become better learners. That’s why some ideas, like offering children tactile experiences and hands-on learning, are now widely accepted in well-run childcare centers.
The Montessori Method was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, based on scientific observation of children. It focuses on child-centered learning and development of every aspect of the child: intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and moral. There are several unique aspects of this method that differ from traditional childcare:
- Montessori teachers are well-trained and highly educated. After earning a bachelor’s teachers spend a year in training to earn full Montessori credentials. With a high school diploma, a teacher can earn an associate credential at the Infant and Toddler level. Montessori teachers are facilitators who design the learning environment, provide resources and demonstrations, and observe children’s growth and behavior, keeping meticulous records.
- The concept of “self-inspired learners” is embraced by Montessori schools. This means that children learn as they’re ready, building confidence with each new achievement. Instead of the entire group being shuffled from activity to activity, children in Montessori school are able to remain engaged in an activity, fully exploring it until they are ready to move on.
- Rather than busywork, students at Montessori schools engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Even toddlers in a Montessori program are given opportunities to learn important skills like buttoning, pouring water, cutting with scissors, stringing beads, and much more.
- Montessori schools have a quiet atmosphere. While traditional childcare is often messy and chaotic, Montessori schools are calm and purposeful, helping children to develop grace, courtesy, and inner discipline, while they learn to focus on the activities that interest them.
Founded by Montessori School of Downtown, Shipra Campus is much more than the average childcare center. Rather, it’s Pearland’s premier educational child care facility, with programs for children age six weeks through elementary. The brainchild of decades of curricula development, technology integrated education, and traditional Montessori concepts that are proven to work. Shipra is educating the community leaders of tomorrow, using holistic development, global awareness, and individualized education. To learn more about Shipra or Montessori School of Downtown, visit our website today.