BACK
Knowing that your child feels settled and happy is critical to making the most of childcare and early development centres. A sense of belonging is one of the things that we should value the most in terms of creating a happy environment for children.
Children look to their caregivers, other adults and those around them to set the emotional ‘tone’ for their world. When children feel safe and cared for, and secure in their relationships, they can be more relaxed, and they can be themselves.
However, when children experience inconsistent or negative caregiving, they may feel alone, become anxious and withdraw from others.
Therefore, we here at Young Academics make it our mission to cultivate a sense of belonging for all children. This will help them develop the skills they need to promote confidence and healthy relationships as they grow towards adulthood.
Humans have an instinctive need to belong. A sense of belonging is crucial to our life satisfaction, happiness, mental and physical health and even longevity. It gives us a sense of purpose and meaning. Without a sense of belonging, it’s easy to feel lost and alone. Which is a pretty scary place to be – especially for our children. Children love to feel as though they belong – whether that’s in a physical place, a community or in the home. That’s why there are many important things that children need throughout their childcare experience. These include:
- Stable and positive relationships
- Consistent communication
- A safe environment
- Interaction with others
- Care and attention
- Access to play, music and reading materials
A sense of belonging doesn’t just happen; it takes time and effort to grow. There are lots of things we do to create a sense of belonging and lots of these can be expanded upon at home too. Creating a sense of belonging in childcare can be achieved through a variety of specific methods, including:
- Calling children by their name
Calling children by their names is so important. To be greeted by their name (even if they don’t know the staff member, adult or other children) will instantly settle a child and put them at ease. - Their interests
Getting to know a child’s individual interests and figuring out what they enjoy playing with or what type of learner they are really helps to build a sense of belonging. Early learning experiences can be structured around their tastes and children will be keen to engage more effectively. - Routine
Children love to have a set routine. From coming into a day care centre and hanging their bag in a set place, to having morning tea with their friends – all of this creates a safe and secure environment for a child’s day. - Adult interaction
Staff and parents can be great role models for children to learn from so it’s really helpful to have lots of interaction during play. Adults can help to model social skills, which children will observe and begin to understand. - Understanding emotional needs
Knowing children and understanding their characters allows adults to interact with them sensitively and ensures that they always feel safe and secure. Needs and emotions vary hugely between children so it’s useful to be as sensitive as possible with each child. - Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
This can be done by decorating the space with different materials, creating a welcoming atmosphere and promoting a culture of respect and acceptance. - Building relationships with families
Building strong relationships with families can help children feel more connected to their caregivers and early learning settings as a whole. This can be done by regularly communicating with families and involving them in the childcare program. - Developing a sense of community
Encourage children to work together and participate in group experiences, as this can help them feel like they are part of a community. This can include storytelling sessions and playing games together. - Emphasising individual strengths and accomplishments
Childcare professionals play a key role in creating an environment where children feel valued, supported and encouraged to learn. A successful childcare setting will ensure each individual is given ample opportunity to discover their unique set of skills, strengths and interests. By emphasising a child’s accomplishments, we can help foster a sense of belonging that drives engagement with learning experiences. In turn, this gives parents peace of mind that their child is actively developing in a positive and motivating environment. - Encouraging positive interactions and communication among children
Effective childcare requires the intentional and consistent promotion of positive interactions and communication among the children. When our childcare professionals show care, cultivate acceptance, and provide support, children feel more at home and more inspired to learn. Young Academics does this by providing experiences that foster trust and cooperation between students, as well as fostering an atmosphere of understanding, respect for others’ opinions, and joy for creativity.
At Young Academics childcare centre, we understand that childcare is more than a safe place to leave your child while you work. We actively foster an environment of belonging and learning, so that every child feels at home when they join us. Our educators are trained in early Childhood education and use appropriate experiences, crafts and games that are both fun and educational. Enrolment is easy; contact us to learn more about the benefits of our childcare program and how it can help your child reach their potential.
