As a parent, you undoubtedly want the best for your child. However, it isn’t always easy to determine what the best choice is. If your child needs supervision after school, you might consider enrolling him or her in after-school programs near Pembroke Pines, rather than hiring a babysitter. After-school programs at a high-quality school will help your child make new friends, develop important academic skills, and have fun after a hard day’s work at school. You can evaluate an after-school program at an early learning center in much the same way as you evaluated your child’s school.

Evaluate the Ambience

When you arrive at the center for early childhood education, make a note of your first impressions. Does the early learning center appear bright, cheerful, and welcoming? Do the teachers and other staff members appear to genuinely love working with the kids? Choosing an after-school program with a welcoming and nurturing atmosphere is crucial. Your child should be able to look forward to going to the program every day. He or she should also be in a place that nurtures his or her self-esteem, supports independence, and fosters self-care skills. Before you enroll your child in an after-school program, consider bringing him or her along with you to tour the facility. This allows you to see if the program could be a good fit for your little one.

Review the Available Activities

The activities available at the after-school program will almost certainly be a major factor in your decision making. Ideally, an after-school program will provide your child with a balanced mixture of homework time and recreation. Check whether the center offers kids a quiet study space and homework help from the teachers as needed. Then, check to see that the center offers both individual and group activities for your child, such as arts and crafts, books, and physical activities. Kids benefit from playing outdoors; check whether your child will have access to a safe, spacious playground. Consider whether the available activities match your child’s interests.

Young toddlers at a daycare near Pembroke Pines are typically content to play by themselves or to play alongside, but not necessarily with, their peers. When kids enter preschool; however, they tend to prefer to play with others. Not every child can easily make friends or join in on group activities. Talk to your child’s teachers at the early learning center to find out about his or her social skills. The early childhood education staff may also have some tips for you on encouraging your child to build strong friendships.

Host Play Dates Frequently

When a child first enters preschool, he or she may need some time to adjust to the new environment and schedule. It can be difficult for young children to form friendships in the midst of so much change. Help your child feel more comfortable around others by providing opportunities for social interaction in familiar places. When you pick your child up from preschool, you might linger for a while and introduce yourself to the other parents. Offer to host play dates at your home for the kids. For socially awkward children, it may be easier to play with just one other child at a time before branching out into larger groups.

Help Your Child Learn to Break the Ice

Preschool students may want to join in on group activities, yet they aren’t quite sure how to do it. Or, they may be worried about being rejected by the group. You can help your child by offering some suggestions on what he or she might say to the group. For example, your child could say, “I like building blocks, too. Can I play?”

Role Play Friendship Scenarios

Young children gradually acquire social skills through their prior experiences. Invite your child to play a game of pretend in which you’re both new students at a preschool. Ask your child to take a turn with his or her toy to help instill the importance of turn taking. You could also ask your child to join in on a building blocks project with you to teach him or her about friendly cooperation.