Written by Aliza Betha
Children must receive a complete and appropriate early childhood education to be independent at an early age so they can make their own decisions someday and become competent citizens of the society. This process of teaching young kids significantly relies on the kind of environment they grew up with and the people around them.
Parents play a crucial role in maintaining an optimal learning condition for the kids. Nowadays, choosing early learning online seems more viable and effective than sending them to regular daycare centres. The pandemic incredibly changed the entire education system, especially for young learners. But parents should still ensure that they create a safe and stimulating environment at home since their little ones will not be going anywhere anytime soon. Essentially, this will make the teaching process more accessible and more effective for the kids.
Benefits of parents’ participation in early education
Usually, the child’s essential cognitive development occurs in their kindergarten years. When parents have intensive involvement, they can ensure that their kids can fully develop their potential. As they begin their early learning online session, parents can follow teaching techniques, which will enhance their children’s cognitive experience.
The parents’ participation can broaden the teachable moments such as their daily routine, having playdates, or just by grocery shopping. Kids are receptive, especially to their parents. When adults are fully aware of their children’s education, they can easily incorporate the lessons in any given situation. Through this approach, they are making an exciting educational activity for their little ones. Furthermore, kids can learn faster because it only seems like they are playing.
Different roles that parents can play in early childhood education
When parents participate in early childhood education, they can assess the kids’ competency and what areas need improvement. However, it takes a lot of patience and determination for parents to track their children’s progress thoroughly. At times, parents can just follow the early learning online modules, and that’s it. Going the extra mile and assessing every task-related activity can monitor the child’s advancement without relying on the centre’s evaluation. Adults can take note and relay to the child care centre experts the progression of their kids. In this way, the centre can provide additional learning materials.
Tips to promote parents’ participation
Ask questions and learn about the child care centre. Parents will perform most of the teaching sessions. They need to consult with the experts on strategies on how to relay the lessons effectively. Aggregating knowledge about early childhood education can motivate parents to be serious in their involvement.
In addition, consulting other parents who are in a similar situation, is helpful in gathering different experiences. Some adults have already finished the first stage of early learning online, so first-time parents can ask for their opinions. Perhaps ask other educational activities which they can try out with their kids.
Keeping a journal or daily report of the learning session is also a good way to monitor the child’s development. In this way, parents can easily report it to the child care centre and consult if there are issues in their child’s learning ability.
Conduct a brief research online about early childhood education. Nowadays, there are several useful resources on the web which parents can browse through. Teaching can be an educational opportunity for the parents, too. They can learn how to convey knowledge to young children effectively.