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Why Does My Child Only Play At Daycare?
Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 8:27 pm
by concernedparent
Hey
Ive recently started my 4 year old at a long day care center. He is in the preschool room as he will be starting school next year. I have never put him in daycare before so I'm all new to this! He loves his teachers, they are great but my only concern is that they don't really teach him as in learning to write the alphabet or learning numbers etc all he does is play...I mean shouldn't he be learning so he is ready for school next year?
Re: Why Does My Child Only Play At Daycare?
Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 5:19 pm
by Lorina
Hi,
I can understand your concern that all your seeing is your child playing but there is always a reason/an objective about the activities/experiences that your child interacts with at day care. As for learning to write and learning numbers thats what kindergarten is for. He will learn to do all that in the first year of school. If we teach that in preschool it will be pointless for children to begin in kindergarten they should start fro yr 1...we develop their interests and enable preschoolers to grow socially and personally by providing them with a range of experiences. Please be aware that although you child may be only playing he is beginning to unlock the skills he needs throughout his life.
There is often a misconception from parents that we as childcare professionals only play with their children while there at work. It is not the fault of the parent for thinking this way. As childcare professionals there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that parents and the community are not aware of. All the activities that you see in your child's room are selected through individual observations, group observations and a range of objectives that the children will need to accomplish. Ask your child's teacher about the program I'm sure she would be happy to help.
Also when children play with other children they create social groups, test out ideas, challenge their think and build understanding. Your child's teachers take on many roles in play with children and use a variety of strategies to support learning. They create learning environments that encourage children to explore, solve problems, create and construct. They use routines and play experience to do this... I hope this gives you an understanding of your child day in childcare...
There are also a lot of planning and programming that goes on through the day. There is actually alot of paperwork to do throughout the day as well as looking after kids. If you are ever concerned speak to your childs teacher I am sure she will be more than happy to discuss this with you so you can get a better understand.
Please dont hesitate to discuss concerns or issues that any of you may have faced in your childś care, with us...we are all here to support one another!
Cheers 
,
L.A