SPICEing Up Early Childhood Education

I was recently contacted by Emily at Primrose Education about sharing some information with my readers. Since I know I have lots of followers with children, I agreed to share her article with you all. To preface this, please remember that this is her article and not my own work and that I am not asking/telling/suggesting to anyone to go out and make any changes, I am merely just presenting some information that was given to me. What you do with it is your decision, it's just always good to know what different opinions are and what different research findings tell us. I find the article insightful and I hope you do as well!! Enjoy!

SPICEing Up Early Childhood Education

If you are fortunate to be a stay-at-home parent in America today, you are among the few. With thirty years of economic policies that have decimated the middle class, the majority of American households today require two incomes, meaning that young children must usually be relegated to child care facilities or preschools.

Those who can stay at home to raise their children of course 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 can do it all.

This is where young children can greatly benefit from attendance a certified preschool, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators. While a teacher cannot take the place of 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 being shaped and developed.

SPICE

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? Also known as "SPICE" – Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.

Social development involves the way a child relates to others and functions in a group setting. If you are among the increasing number of parents choosing to limit their family size to one child, the importance of socialization in a structured environment becomes even more necessary.

Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross (basic movements such as walking) to the fine (such as holding a pencil).

Intellectual development is achieved through structured play, and of course means development
of language and math skills as well as the child's innate sense of curiosity and wonder; Intellectual development is central to success in school later on.

Creative development addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even theatrics. Creativity is the foundation self-expression and problem solving. It is arguable that without creativity, there would be no innovation nor entrepreneurship.

Emotional development is also frequently overlooked, even by the most devoted parents. But it's still a crucial part of a child's development, 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 that can make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the Atlanta child care facility,
a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states
throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of child care preschools delivering progressive,
early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.