Benefits of Introducing Math Skills for Young Children
Most parents want their children to be early readers, as this has previously been a major marker for intellectual and educational success. However, new research indicates that math skills are more important than reading in predicting future academic success. Experts are now saying that early math skills need priority in early childhood classrooms, not reading.
Here is what the science reveals about how math helps young children.
Predictor for Academic and Career Success
According to several studies, “Early math skills foretell higher aptitude in high school math and higher rates of college enrollment… [and for] both males and females, mathematical precocity early in life predicts later creative contributions and leadership in critical occupational roles.”
Improves Problem-Solving Skills
Math is all about solving the equation. It stands to reason, then, that math improves your child’s problem-solving skills. The earlier children can solve math problems, the better they will be at math in school, and they will be able to solve everyday problems with ease.
Develops Logic
Dr. Jie-Qi (Jackie) Chen has said “Math is the language of logic.” As your child develops early math skills, the more their brain will mature logically. This is because part of math is figuring out which is the best way to solve the equation. Children who learn math concepts early in life have a head start on analytical and logic skills.
Develops Flexible and Creative Thinking
Math promotes flexible thinking because equations can often be solved in more than one way. For instance, you may not know the answer to 9×9 offhand, but you know that 9 x 10 = 90. Subtracting 9 from 90 leaves 81. Using creative and flexible thinking at an early age strengthens the brain to perform more challenging mental tasks later.
Teaches Perseverance
Math geniuses aside, most of us had meltdowns at some point over not understanding our math homework. While the math concept was important to understand, perhaps the greatest lesson we learned from these meltdowns was perseverance. Math provides ample opportunity for frustration with a great reward upon solving the equation. The earlier children learn perseverance, the more resilient they will be in the real world.
How Do I Start?
Hopefully, you feel inspired to incorporate early math skills into your daily routine. But how do you start? This all depends on the age of your child and their current math knowledge. Of course, teaching numbers is important to understanding math, but math is more than numbers.
Some creative ways to incorporate math skills include:
- Sorting shapes and colors or other toys (e.g. dinosaurs from trains)
- Discuss weight, size, shape, and height differences between objects (e.g. the size, weight, and shape differences of a whale versus a dolphin or a skyscraper versus a house)
- Use Dulpos, LEGOs, or blocks with geometric shapes to build visual literacy
- Practice patterns through pattern games
- Strategically choose board or card games that include math, like Chutes and Ladders
Math Skills at Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool
Children’s Academy teaches many early childhood math skills, as well as providing math-centered games, puzzles, and toys that develop your child’s brain so they receive all the benefits of early math skills.
It can be hard to include your child’s math skills during a busy day. Thankfully, you can rest assured that your child receives age-appropriate and fun math skills at Children’s Academy.
Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool today!
What’s Next
Benefits of Introducing Science Concepts for Young Children
All children are born wanting to understand the world around them. Babies learn to push and pull objects, toddlers love to roll and bounce balls, and young children find buoyancy fascinating.
Concepts like gravity are new and experimental to children. They may think they can fly if they jump off the playground, so the sooner they learn science terms and concepts, the better.
But teaching science isn’t just for their safety or pleasure. There is scientific proof that teaching science at young ages is beneficial for childhood development. Here are just a few.
Develops Language Skills and Vocabulary
Vocabulary shouldn’t be limited to those in stories and nursery rhymes. Vocabulary should include all elements of education, such as mathematics and science. These words may seem incomprehensible to young children, but just like other vocabulary words, exposure is key. The more scientific vocabulary a child knows, the better he will do in school and beyond.
Develops Abstract Thinking
Almost as soon as children can talk, they are asking about how the world works. Why is the sky blue or the grass green? Why does a ball drop but a balloon floats? Children can understand the abstract concepts of science better than we give them credit. The more we can teach our children about science, the easier these will seem in school.
Develops Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Children can develop analytical and problem-solving skills through simple experiments. These help children experience scientific theories like gravity or cause-and-effect relationships. Children can then apply these scientific concepts to their everyday lives and playtime.
Develops Curiosity
Children are born curious and want to explore. Science is the perfect avenue to learn more about the world around them. Fostering a child’s curious spirit through science will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
How Do I Start?
Hopefully, you are inspired to incorporate science into your daily routine. Some easy ways to include science are:
- Talk about nature as much as you can: the seasons, space, weather, animals, bugs, germs, dinosaurs, or whatever your child is interested in.
- Check out books from the library that are scientifically oriented.
- Take a trip to the zoo and discuss the different species of animals
- Allow lots of unstructured playtime outdoors
- Visit a pond or creek and observe the different plants, bugs, animals, and reptiles
Science Concepts at Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool
At Children’s Academy, we include many science experiments and activities in our curriculum. We also offer plenty of books, puzzles, and pictures of animals, bugs, and reptiles.
It can be hard to include your child’s science skills during a busy day. Thankfully, you can rest assured that your child receives age-appropriate and fun science activities at DAYCARE.
Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool today!
What’s Next
Benefits of Daily Physical Activity for Young Children
Toddlers and young children have an abundance of energy. Many parents provide avenues for their children to expend their energy, like taking them to the park or enrolling them in a sport.
As children get a little bit older, they may turn to technology, games, or reading for entertainment instead of physical activity. But just because children have other interests doesn’t mean their need for physical activity goes down.
Physical activity is vital at every stage of childhood development. Here are just a few reasons why.
Physical Activity and Health
Everyone knows that physical activity is directly related to health. However, children need more physical activity than adults. Children are always growing and constantly learning about their body’s capabilities and limitations and integrating motor and neurological reflexes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, physical activity can reduce the risk of:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart disease.
- Cancer.
- Type 2 diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Osteoporosis.
- Obesity.
Physical exercise also improves bone density and muscular strength.
How Much Exercise is Enough?
How much physical activity your child needs depends on their age. Babies need about 30 minutes of tummy time per day. Children aged one to five years need about three hours of vigorous activity, and children older than five years need about 60 minutes.
Physical Activity and Coordination
Children are always learning new physical skills, integrating motor and neurological reflexes, and challenging their bodies. Physical activity is necessary to improve coordination, balance, reflexes, and motor skills.
Physical Activity and Cognition
Children who engage in regular physical activity have superior cognitive abilities and academic performance compared with peers who aren’t physically active. This is because physical activity brings more blood and oxygen to the brain and aids in memory, problem-solving, and attention.
Physical Activity and Emotions
Physical activity provides endorphins and reduces stress. When children have a regular, constructive outlet to release extra energy, they are more even-tempered, have fewer tantrums, and have a calmer disposition.
Children prone to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or poor body image, can also benefit from physical activity.
Physical Activity and Relationships
Playing team games builds relationships and camaraderie. It helps children learn how to lose–and win–graciously. Playing with a parent or guardian is a very bonding experience.
How Can I Start?
Hopefully, you are ready to include physical activity as a part of your daily routine. Here are some tips to get started:
- Aim for your child’s age-appropriate amount of physical activity, but start small. Try just a few minutes a day of physical activity.
- Choose something your child enjoys. Enroll them in a sport or take them to their favorite park.
- Participate with them! Adults need regular exercise, too. Children are more likely to play for longer if you play with them–plus, you get the added bonus of connection and bonding with your child
- Outside play is best, but if the weather doesn’t allow for outside play, utilize technology. YouTube has many channels with fitness programs designed for kids and performed by kids.
- Make it fun by creating an obstacle course, playing “The Floor is Lava,” or re-enacting their favorite movie or video game
Physical Activity at Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool
At Children’s Academy, we place a high value on physical activity. Our children have access to an outdoor playground, and children get many opportunities to play outside. When inside, children have the freedom to roam, run, and play in ways that improve coordination, balance, and reflexes.
It can be hard to include your child’s physical activity during a busy day. Thankfully, you can rest assured that your child receives age-appropriate and fun physical activities at DAYCARE.
Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool today!
What’s Next
What Should I Look for in Daycares?
When you’re looking for childcare, the many options can feel overwhelming. When there are so many choices, it’s easy to be swayed by a good first impression, a professional website, or aesthetically-appealing classrooms instead of the truly important details like safety and meal plans.
Five things should be a top priority when looking for a daycare.
Security
Daycares have many people passing in and out throughout the day. As a parent, you want to rest assured that only necessary adults are allowed in the building, such as other parents or guardians.
Other important security features include:
- Doors that automatically lock, keeping strangers out and children in
- Specific drop-off and pick-up procedures
- Security cameras of the whole building and parking lot
- Background checked staff
Meal Plans
Most children enrolled in daycare eat breakfast, lunch, and a snack at the facility. That means that the daycare is responsible for 75% of your child’s scheduled food intake throughout the week. You want to make sure that the daycare is providing balanced and nutritional meals and snacks.
Ask to see the upcoming month’s food plan and/or previous food plan records. If your child has any special dietary needs, make sure that the facility is able to accommodate those needs and what measures are taken to avoid cross-contamination (if necessary).
Security Cameras
Security cameras are vital to a daycare. Beyond justifying an innocent party or convicting a guilty one, security cameras can help determine the cause of injury if a child is hurt and keeps staff accountable for the facility’s policies.
However, some daycares allow parents to view the security camera’s live footage to check in on their child. This can have many pros and cons, such as:
Pros
- You can check in on your child at any time of the day
- You can observe how your child interacts with the teacher and peers
- You can see what your child is learning in real-time
- You can hold teachers accountable to the facility’s policies
Cons
- Live camera footage can increase parental anxiety if they see something happening to their child they don’t like.
- Live camera footage can be distracting to parents at their jobs or school and may be less productive
- Parents may develop resentment against certain teachers or other children if they feel their child is being treated unfairly
- Live camera footage is a potential breach of security because other parents have access to the footage, as well, and you have no control over what is done with that footage
Check with your daycare to see how security camera footage is stored and who has access to it. This is especially true for foster parents or guardians, as camera footage loose on the internet could potentially cause problems for the child.
Location
It may not seem like location matters until you’re running late or traffic is at a standstill. Then it’s really nice to have childcare that is conveniently located!
Children’s Academy is conveniently located off Dixie Highway between I-264 and I-265, making it easily accessible from either interstate. Children’s Academy is surrounded by grocery stores, restaurants, and retail stores, making your shopping needs easy to accomplish.
Your Gut Feeling
As a parent, you get those gut feelings about what is best for your child. Sometimes your gut is in staunch disagreement or discomfort with a situation. Other times, you feel inner peace and excitement when something is right.
When you find the right daycare, you will know. Parental instincts are real, and you should trust them.
At Children’s Academy, we’ve done our best to include every family so you can feel calm and reassured that your child is in a safe, stimulating environment.
Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool today!
What’s Next
Researching New Daycare Options
If you’re in the market for a new daycare but feel overwhelmed about where to start, here’s a quick guide for researching new daycare options.
Know the Types of Childcare
First things first, educate yourself on the types of childcare. These include:
- Daycare or child care center
- In-home childcare
- Head Start and Early Head Start
- Prekindergarten programs
- School-age programs, such as the YMCA
- Military families child care options
- Informal home childcare, such as from a family or friend
While daycare is the most accessible and affordable childcare option, it may be worth looking into other choices to fit the needs of your family best.
For instance, some children may do better in a smaller class size such as in-home childcare while others may enjoy larger groups at a daycare. At the same time, children who desire fewer playmates may benefit from exposure to larger groups so the transition to kindergarten isn’t overwhelming.
Know Kentucky’s Resources
Each state has different requirements for childcare. These differences may be things like teacher-to-child ratios or sanitation standards.
Knowing Kentucky’s standards will help you evaluate whether the daycare you’re considering is quality. For instance, a daycare may have passed the state’s standards to be licensed but has relaxed its everyday standards after licensure. These daycares should be avoided as it puts your child in a potentially harmful or dangerous environment.
To find out Kentucky’s resources and licensure standards, click here.
Find Daycares in Your Area
One of the hardest parts of researching daycares is finding all the childcare options available in your area. Sometimes the search bar or map app isn’t sufficient to find the childcare gems.
Kynect makes it easy to find local daycares with their search bar. You can search by location, zip code, name, and license number.
Once you have a list of daycares in your area, you can start to delve more deeply into choosing a quality daycare that best fits the needs of your family.
Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool today!
What’s Next
What Makes a Daycare High Quality?
Let’s face it: not all daycares are the same. Some daycares only meet the bare minimum state standards, while others go above and beyond to provide the safest, cleanest, most educational space they can.
Every parent wants their child enrolled in a high-quality daycare. But what are the defining characteristics for quality childcare? Here are three ways:
Stimulating Schedule and Environment
Childcare is more than making sure children stay out of trouble, eat their veggies, and get a nap on time. The daycare’s environment is what will shape your child’s understanding of the world, their creativity, and their drive to learn.
Some daycares may skimp on creating a learning schedule and sticking to it. But at Children’s Academy, we use The Learning Box for preschool ages and Mother Goose Time for early preschool ages. These curricula ensure children’s development is stimulated by age-appropriate gross and fine motor tasks, music, and early childhood education.
Even babies and toddlers have a schedule! These young children grow exponentially when exposed to music, books, and simple arts and crafts.
Safe and Sanitary Space
A facility that cares for dozens of children can get messy very quickly. It’s imperative that the staff employ proper sanitation practices to reduce the spread of germs and prevent accidents from happening.
The daycare space should also be a safe one: toys should be age-appropriate, first aid kits should be available, cleaning supplies should be locked away from a child’s reach, shelves should be anchored to the wall, and more.
Licensed Business and Staff
Daycares must be licensed by the state of Kentucky in order to operate legally. These licenses must be renewed annually. Check to ensure your daycare has a valid business license. You can also view if your daycare ever had a lapsed or revoked license.
Daycares are required by law only to employ staff who have undergone a background check and maintain certain health qualifications, like a negative TB test.
What sets quality daycares above average daycares is when staff continues to grow in their childcare skills. Seminars, conferences, or in-house training are great ways to maintain a high standard of childcare.
At Children’s Academy, we check all the boxes for quality childcare! Our curriculum and schedule are exciting for all ages, we maintain a safe and sanitary space, and our business is licensed and our staff continues to grow in their field. If you’re looking for quality childcare in the South Louisville area, check out Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool!
Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool is proud to offer an outstanding curriculum that is educational, fun, and prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking to give your child a head start in school, contact Children’s Academy Childcare and Preschool today!