Can infants really benefit from attending preschool? Sure, three and four-year-olds can absolutely benefit from academics, but babies? Isn’t a regular daycare enough? As a matter of fact, preschool for infants comes with a lot of benefits that can last for a lifetime. It turns out that babies are a lot smarter than adults give them credit for. Their brains are developing rapidly, and an age-appropriate preschool for infants curriculum can help them on their learning journey. Below you’ll find a few of the benefits that come from choosing a preschool over a daycare for your baby.
Thriving With Routine
Young brains develop best when they get some sort of routine. When babies get a structured learning routine, they’ll know what to expect. This routine will give them a sense of safety and security, which will help them relax enough to learn. Within the structured preschool environment, infants can start to explore their environments and develop new skills, all with the help of mentally stimulating toys and books.
Sensory Play
Babies learn primarily through sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. That’s why preschool for infants tends to include a lot of sensory play. Teachers might point out the differences between soft toys and hard toys, for example. At preschool, these experiences are planned and guaranteed, especially with a sensory-focused curriculum. In a regular daycare setting, these experiences are incidental. Preschools have trained teachers who know why and how to encourage the full sensory experience. As a result, babies can learn faster and get the most from their childcare.
Early Literacy
Did you know that you can encourage literacy even when your child is a baby? Long before your child can sound out letters, they can develop a love of books. At preschool, your baby’s teachers will create a positive environment around books. As a result, your baby will learn to associate reading with fun and safety. Furthermore, an infant-inclusive preschool can show your baby how to spot patterns, which is essential to early literacy.
Spatial Awareness
Infants don’t have a lot of spatial awareness, but preschool can help them develop it. Through play and movement at preschool, babies can learn more about their bodies and how they relate to the space that surrounds them. Early spatial awareness can help your child develop coordination, and a solid foundation of spatial awareness may even help them when they’re old enough to learn geometry and other higher math concepts.
Music and Movement
You may have heard that music has all kinds of benefits, but did you know that those benefits can start during infancy? Babies naturally respond to music. They’ll move to the beat of their favorite songs. When it comes to preschool for infants, your child’s teachers will know how to use music to enhance learning. Music helps children gain literacy and math skills, enhance their communication, and even gain an overall mood boost. Babies get just as much of a benefit as older children get. Furthermore, when babies get to dance and move to the music, they’ll also improve their coordination.
Preschool for Infants
Of course, when it comes to preschool for infants, you’ll want to make sure that your baby goes to the best one. Your child deserves a nurturing environment where they can learn and have fun at the same time. That’s where Legacy Academy comes in. At Legacy, our highly educated teachers know the best learning strategies for babies. We’ve built an entire curriculum around age-appropriate skills. Ready to learn more? Contact us at Legacy Academy today. We’d love for you and your baby to become part of the Legacy family.
