For families who are trying to juggle the many needs of a growing household while also trying to work or go to school, a quality child care program is one of the most beneficial options you can choose for your child. A quality program allows a child to develop socially and academically as well as providing a safe, nurturing foundation for future success. In fact, studies have shown that children, including babies and infants from 6 months to 4 years, receive significant benefits from a child care setting including structure, instruction, social lessons, and emotional development. There are many benefits of a child care program for both children and their caregivers.

Benefits of Child Care Programs

1. Structure and Schedules:Because quality child care offers structured programming throughout the day, even the youngest child learns how to adjust to a schedule. From learning to get ready for school to the many activities planned throughout a day, child care teaches children valuable lessons about being on time and the benefits of a planned day. From songs and storytelling to outdoor recreation, these collaborative activities also help a young child with their intellectual growth and emotional development by learning to work and play with others. Families also benefit from knowing that their child is in a place where they will be busy, active, and learning new things—all under the supervision of trained staff.
2. Academic and Life Outcomes:A 2021 study published in Child Development strongly suggests that sustained, high-quality early education can have long-lasting impacts linked to meaningful, educational, and life outcomes. A 2016 study from the University of Virginia found that by age 5, children who attended formal child care programs had substantially stronger reading and math skills relative to similar children who attended informal settings.
3. Emotional Development:One of the best ways for children to grow socially and emotionally is to expose them to other children who are their own age. In a child care program, these children learn to connect and interact with other children and adults which will help prepare them for kindergarten and grade school. If a child is not around other children or adults, they will not be as prepared to learn, work and play with others. When they are around other children, they learn to problem-solve and share while their personalities are start to develop.
4. Adult Interaction:Young children typically learn about adults by being around their parents, caregivers, and other senior family members. A child care program provides an opportunity for children to see other adults as mentors and authority figures who can provide positive guidance and support. Studies show that high-quality programs (like the ones that participate in ABC Quality) also help children by providing much-needed encouragement, positivity, and how to discourage negative interactions.
5. Good for the entire family: Although sending a child to a chid care program may at first be difficult for a family member, there are many long-term benefits for everyone. A quality program can give a child a foundation for academic and emotional growth, which also can help them better interact with their own family and peers. Family members also benefit by feeling secure and confident that their child is being taken care of—allowing them to focus on their career, educational pursuits, or taking care of younger children in the household.