The safety and well being of the kids at our day care is our primary responsibility as providers.  We are not however merely babysitters, nor referees at some chaotic miniature wrestling event (though often times it feels that way) but facilitators, entrusted with the important task of nurturing and developing the whole child.  Encouraging creativity and imagination is a vital aspect of this facilitation role.  Opening the door to various creative outlets will ensure that children will lead a richer more complete life.  Here are some pointers on opening those doors.

Expose kids to the arts, culture and beauty whenever possible will help them to grow to appreciate and recognize same.  Organize short visits to the local art gallery, museum, library and view various types of art.  Try to arrange trips to see plays or musical performances, simply play different types of music at the day care and get the kids moving and dancing.  Encourage creativity in cooking activities, playing with sand or water, arrange nature walks and point out the natural beauty that exists all around us.  Read and encourage reading.  Have a vibrant lively story time involving made up stories that ramble and grow thus leading into miniature dramatic plays.  Anything goes.

Read more in my article here:  http://www.childcareonly.com/education/encouraging-creativity-at-your-day-care/

All too often I have had parents query how much 'proper' learning goes on at day care as opposed to 'just play'.  Many of us modern folk are very caught up in measuring achievement and planning towards future stages in life.  While all learning in a preschool environment is important children need to learn to enjoy learning, to acquire an enquiring, openminded approach which will remain with them throughout the challenges of life.  Most importantly, they need to experience and enjoy the wonderful stage that is childhood.

Play is a wonderful medium through which children can explore and learn.  A quality, challenging play based curriculum will promote children's developement in a wide range of areas.  The activities should include natural materials as well as manufactured items.   Water, sand, playdough and clay all provide children with a rich learning experience involving discovering the world through their senses.

Children are naturally motivated to play because it brings them pleasure and day care workers facilitate purposeful play so that learning opportunities are maximised.  A playful child is a happy child!