INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PARENTING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Child ’ s Play :
It ’ s All in a Day ’ s Work
In Choosing a Preschool , Experts Recommend Child‐Centered Play .
With so much information about preschools available to parents , it can be difficult to choose the right program . One approach to evaluating a school that can help parents choose is the level of emphasis on learning through play . For young children , play is the natural way to learn , according to the experts .
In fact , research studies confirm that children who are allowed to play function better later in life , both socially and academically .
“ Young children who learn through play are more ready to make their own decisions , advocate for themselves and use creativity to solve problems as they grow ,” says Dr . Kyle Pruett , a Yale University child psychiatrist and consultant to the Goddard School , the fastest growing franchise preschool program in the United States .
Dr . Pruett points out that play helps children learn to solve problems , promotes flexibility and motivation , teaches regulation of emotions , and builds resilience and confidence . Play is also essential to the development of the child ’ s brain , triggering trillions of neural
connections that form the basis of healthy cognitive function and mastery of the child ’ s physical world .
Playing alone and with others not only builds brain development , it also helps children develop social skills and a sense of ethics . The most effective play is free of evaluation and correction ( after all , throwing a ball shouldn ’ t be “ right ” or “ wrong ”), while promoting autonomy .
“ True play is actually hard work ,” says Sue Adair , Senior Manager of Quality Assurance at Goddard Systems , Inc . “ The child lost in play is exploring infinite possibilities . Caretakers and parents can assist the child ’ s growth by participating in play and creating an environment that encourages play as a means to meet new developmental challenges .”
So after parents have checked the basics that are required for any preschool , how can they find one with the right emphasis on play ?
Adair suggests looking at three things :
• Find a school that puts a priority on learning through play . For young children , play is unstructured and freeing . It ’ s not about expensive toys ; in fact , the simpler the toy , the more ways it can be used by a child developing his or her imagination . Toys and equipment should be carefully chosen , first for safety and then for how they stimulate young imaginations and help children develop .
• Look at the total environment . Environment means having clean , safe and spacious places to play , as well as the resources to provide imaginative , rewarding playtime . It also means a caring and well‐trained staff , a critical element for any preschool . “ Remember , how children are treated is as critical to their development as what they are taught ,” says Dr . Pruett .
• Ask about enrichment programs . Only the best preschools offer special enrichment programs at no extra cost , as part of the tuition . Enrichment programs — including yoga , manners and world cultures , for example — develop the whole child by encouraging their innate curiosity and imagination . “ At the end of the day , parents know they ’ ve chosen the right child care program when their children are given time for child‐centered exploratory play during the day ,” Adair says . “ For a child , play isn ’ t optional . The educational and other benefits of play are so important , in terms of healthy bodies and minds , that parents should put play at the top of their list when comparing preschool programs .”
This Industry Insight was written by Dina & Matt Speranza .
GLADE MILLS EVANS CITY 1011 PITTSBURGH ROAD 2134 EVANS CITY ROAD
VALENCIA
ZELIENOPLE
( 724 ) 898-1501 ( 724 ) 776-2800 www . starrlumber . com
They are the owners of The Goddard School ® located at 8065 Rowan Road in Cranberry . Goddard offers both full‐ and part‐time infant / preschool / kindergarten programs . For more information , visit www . goddardschool . com or call 724.778.9999 .
Cranberry | Summer 2016 | icmags . com 17