Environment
75-85% of Nebraska parents are employed, making childcare, and other settings like preschool, an essential part of the day. Childcare is often associated solely with meeting the physical and safety needs of a child.
The science shows that meeting their emotional and social needs during this period of rapid brain growth is imperative wherever children are. Environment does not just refer to a building or place. Whether a child is in a center, at home or with a relative, environment is defined by the interactions taking place.
What does quality look like? Young children learn about the world through their experiences and interactions. Research tells us that supportive, stable care fosters the optimum growth of brain synapses in a child.
A focus on the precursors to learning through typical, everyday interaction promotes confidence, curiosity and creativity. The return later in life is productive citizens that can more easily solve problems, manage their emotions, handle stress and contribute to the economy.
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