The Importance of Early Childhood Development

The emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adult they will become. That is why understanding the need to invest in very young children is so important, so as to maximize their future well-being.

Early childhood development offers various benefits including enthusiasm for education, enhanced communication skills, increased ability to interact with others and so much more. Let us take a closer look at the significant benefits of early childhood development.

Behaviour is Improved

Children who attend crèche become socialised at an earlier age and better aware of others’ behaviours and needs at an early age. They are taught discipline and responsibility at a tender age, which is vital for their success in future.

Children who are exposed to early childhood development programmes are able to receive instruction and interpret requests more easily.

Social Skills are Developed

As children are exposed to other peers they learn how to interact with other children. Their ability to socialise and include others in what they do becomes better. Children who go to crèche develop group work skills and they cope better in social environments.

They have the confidence to contribute when teamwork is required. They are also able to listen to others and to communicate more effectively. They also are better capable of dealing with conflicts that arise. Empathy starts developing at a younger age (since empathy is usually something we only see in much older children).

Passion for Education is Increased

As children get used to learning from an early age, they become more enthusiastic about learning. Their enthusiasm to gain skills and be educated becomes greater than before. Early childhood training enables them to be successful in their studies.

They also have a statistically higher chance of completing their studies and of being open to life long learning. They are trained from a young age to become patient and to be responsible for their tasks. These values and abilities are instilled during early childhood development.

Other Benefits of Early Childhood Developments

• Here are a few other great benefits of early childhood development:
• Children who have gone through ECD programs are less likely to need remedial help in future;
• These individuals are more likely to have less children and to have them at a later age;
• They are more likely to earn higher wages as adults;
• This positive spin-off is likely to transfer to the next generation.

For more information about the importance of childhood development, or to book a consultation, contact Anel Annandale at 021 423 0739 or via email at  anel@childpsych.co.za.