Today, a dual-income household has become the norm in Singapore, as the nation continues to embrace a professional workforce. As such, infant care centres have grown in popularity, allowing parents to focus on their careers with greater peace of mind, knowing that their little ones are in a safe and nurturing environment while they are working. In 2023, the enrolment rate for infant and child care services in Singapore was 10,485 and 152,634 respectively. While enrolling their child in an infant care centre remains a great solution for busy parents, children can benefit from this as well. Let’s explore the three essential skills your child can pick up at an infant care centre in Singapore.
Social and Emotional Development
Through bonding and connecting with the teachers, children learn to form attachments, develop trust and regulate their emotions. The consistent presence of teachers provides a secure base for exploration, promoting a sense of security and confidence. Infant care centres also enable children to engage with each other, an opportunity that is rarely granted at home. Peer interaction differs from adult-child interactions due to distinct social dynamics, communication styles and developmental needs. These interactions are characterised by spontaneity and shared interests, motivating good habits such as sharing, taking turns and cooperating. With scheduled group activities and playtime, infants can observe, imitate and build rapport with their peers, further developing their social and emotional capabilities.
Learn more: 3 Ways To Nurture Gratitude In Your Child
Exploratory Skills
Infant care centres in Singapore emphasise a rich and stimulating environment that fosters curiosity and discovery. These specially designed spaces are equipped with age-appropriate toys and materials, allowing children to engage in sensory investigation, tactile experiences and visual stimulation. Trained teachers and caregivers are there to facilitate and support such explorations, encouraging infants to reach, grasp, manipulate objects and navigate their surroundings. Building up exploratory skills in infants is crucial as it stimulates neural connections and forms the foundation for their cognitive, physical and social development. Furthermore, this curiosity contributes to an interest in learning, problem-solving and critical thinking, which are all critical for academic success.
Motor Skills
In early childhood, the nervous system, muscles and joints are still maturing, leading to a temporary lack of precision and coordination. As children grow, they undergo various stages of motor skills development, and professional educators at infant care centres can accelerate this process. Through guided activities from reaching to crawling and eventually walking, the gradual progression of an infant’s motor abilities is carefully monitored and supported. Strategically introducing toys also engages infants in manipulative activities, which promotes hand-eye coordination and muscle control. Ultimately, fine-tuning a child’s motor skills and physical dexterity plays a pivotal role in empowering independence and self-confidence as children learn to navigate, explore and interact with the world around them.
As parents, it is only natural to want the best for your children to watch them grow into happy, healthy and compassionate individuals. Enrolling your little one into a quality infant care centre can be a great start to help shape their character and perspectives, unleashing their potential and moulding them into the best versions of themselves.
At Little Seeds Preschool, we are a faith-based preschool born out of a desire to honour each child’s original design and allow them to discover their identity and purpose in life. Our preschool curriculum is created to develop life skills and positive learning dispositions.
