Page 30 - Choosing a Child Care Center

LETY CARVAJAL, M.ED.

table, play area, art station, etc. Children are allowed
to play in any of these areas uninterrupted and
uninstructed, with guidance from teachers.
Relationships are central to a play-based model of
education, both between teachers and parents and
teachers and children. Families who feel respected
and supported are more likely to trust their child care
program. Many play-based programs prioritize
relationships with a child’s family and the parents’
guiding influence in the child’s life. Along the same
lines, children who feel secure in their environment
will have a foundation for joyful learning.
Teachers using this method direct, guide, and
listen when and where needed, while remaining
nonreactive and practicing gentle redirection. This
allows a child to try, fail, and learn at their own speed
in a method focused on process rather than outcome.
Teachers observe and know the students, which
allows them to tailor the curriculum to each particu-
lar student’s needs, rather than forcing all the chil-
dren to fit into one traditional mold. Teachers know
each child as an individual and are able to adapt to
their learning style, interests, and needs. This holistic
approach doesn’t just develop children academically
but supports them socially and emotionally as well
while teaching good communication skills that will be
used later in life.

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