History of Preschools and Day Care Centres.

The preschools and Day care centers provide organization and care of infants and young children during the daytime. The institutes are particularly a boon for the parents living in metropolitans who hold day jobs. The concept of preschools or better known as day care centres stretches back to the year 1840. These centres appeared for the first time in central France and the famous French “Société des Crèches”, recognized by the French government and were adopted as the premier body in 1869. From France, these day-care centres found solace in most European cities and industrial centres. In the latter half of the 19th century, the day care centres emerged first in the Great Britain and later in the United States.

In India, these centres, termed as preschools or childcare centre or nursery schools, are often used interchangeably. The educational programs of these institutes stretched back to almost 50 years ago when the first of the many Preschools in Delhi was opened. The educational programs offered by these schools provide a variety of different scenarios and integrated avenues for the children living in the vicinity of the schools. The young children, who have blossomed tremendously by studying at these institutes, can learn a great deal. The young children and their families have a long history of studying in preschools, not just in European or Asian schools, but also in countries like the United States, India, and many more.

Preschools in India

The day-care centres, especially the ones in India, are generally private. Even the quality of preschools in India is of varied quality. In many countries, like India, day-care and preschool facilities are designed specifically for the mother’s place of work. The best preschools in India aim to attract the families on the promise of excellent preschool programs. In a number of developing nations, the Infant care and preschool programs are normal and offered as a provisional source of education in many developed countries.

In the better-developed countries like France and Italy, these institutes are a regular part of the public-school system. However, India hasn’t developed any societal agreement about the suitability of preschools and day care, and the subsequentine quality of education standards is the main cause for concern in our country. In the 20^th century, the day care centres and preschools were more abundantly allowed to prosper and their importance grew manifold. The rising population of working women also contributed to this sudden surge.

The preschools and day centres are run by an individual or group. Many have established their chain of preschools/day-care centres. The teachers take care of the children studying in these schools. They also use ayahs or nannies for assistance in these institutes. The children admitted in these nurseries usually depend on the classroom environment and the amenities offered. In India, home-based centres have flourished in the recent times. These centres may even employ nannies who can help them in the management. Additionally, it is the duty of the parents to offer these institutes their required seats and facilities.

The Need for developing more Play Areas in Preschool.

The young children are much more curious than a grown up individual is. One cannot fathom their keenness to gain hold of information. Over an average life span, a human being utilizes all his/her senses the most during the childhood. For children, specifically age group 2-5, the word play assumes a specific meaning. Playing is as important for them as work is for an adult. Therefore, it is important that we discuss the need for more play areas for the children. Play teaches a child the meaning and essence of words like collaboration, teamwork, and belief. These words may not hold significant value in a child’s life, but, tomorrow, when they reach out to the world; words like these plays a chief role.

Preschools In Delhi

The way a child is brought up in their initial years leaves a significant impact on their psyche. Thus, it is important that during the budding years, they are encouraged to undertake light play activities, which will help them deal with stress. A preschool is like an activity centre where a child indulges in multiple activities. Multiple scientific researchers have established a direct relationship between play and development of cognitive and social skills.Some top preschools in Gurgaon, for instance, have laid special emphasis on relating play activities along with day-to-day tasks. The “Vygotskian theory of child development” has established a special relationship between the play activities and academic learning. It stresses that the best preschools have been able to replicate the philosophy adopted by Vygotsky.

Parents, often underplay the importance of play in a child’s life and its role in child development. While looking for the best preschool for their child, they tend to neglect the importance of this particular area. There is an interesting story related to this fact. “Once I came across a parent who was searching for some of the bestpreschools in Delhi. His only criteria, while shortlisting, was to look for a brand that could help them later find a school for their child. He had no clue about the importance of realizing and establishing a relationship between play, cognitive abilities, and gross-motor functions”. They may not realize it now, but somewhere down the line, their child’s future will have some impact because of their parent’s utter neglect of such values.

Play activities are more than mere symbol recognition. A preschool, which has well defined spaces for play areas often produce more skillful children than those who lack such basic amenities. Consequently, I would always suggest the parents to look for the schools that have fantastic play facilities. Additionally, on the part of the school authorities, they would be well advised if they develop well-defined play areas for the children. This will help them develop better peer relationships, teamwork, and belief in each other’s abilities. The preschools should schedule the proper time for a child’s free play – a concept under which the child is allowed to express itself. A curriculum with a balance between activities and play is the right way to a child’s unhindered growth.