Children may be raised exclusively within the family during their first few years, but for working mothers, substitute care is often necessary. This is the act of looking after a child in the absence of parents. A substitute caregiver can be a family member, a hired person, or an institution. Substitute care can be informal (e.g., a neighborhood creche in a home) or institutional (e.g., a daycare or creche).
A creche is an institutional setting for the care of infants and young children. It provides feeding, rest, recreation, informal education, and a safe environment. Daycare is similar but may also include preschoolers. Both are typically all-day programs, and teachers and helpers need special training. The child between two and three years is often called a toddler due to their characteristic walk, and they may also be known as preschoolers as they prepare for an extra-familial environment. Preschools, some of which are called Montessori schools, prepare children for formal schooling. In India, the government provides preschool education through Anganwadis under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). While these support systems are important, parents are the primary caretakers, and care at home is often preferred.
Thinkers like Rabindranath Tagore, Gandhi, and Vivekananda all encouraged the importance of a child-centric approach and also believed that education should begin at birth.
The period from 3 to 8 years sees a child's activities and experiences expanding. They enjoy such informal and small group activities and interactions with people who are outside their family. These years are very crucial for them to learn new things, explore their environment, and develop self-concept, self-control, and life skills. Their vocabulary in their mother tongue grows rapidly. And their curiosity leads them to ask many "why" questions.
What is the Role of Teachers and Adults?
A good learning environment should provide safety, security, love, and exposure to various people and play materials as suggested by developmental psychologist Piaget. It's crucial for the presence of a caring adult, whether a parent, grandparent, or teacher.
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky stressed the need for a knowledgeable adult to create an optimal environment for easy and meaningful learning.
Preschools use a play-based method of learning, which makes it easy and enjoyable for children. They provide a child-friendly environment and follow an informal, child-centered approach. Preschool experiences are beneficial because children learn quickly among their peers and are exposed to different adults and environments, preparing them for formal school. A good preschool complements the home environment and can be especially beneficial for children in difficult circumstances, as they provide additional support in nutrition and health. In families with limited resources, preschools can offer institutional care for younger siblings, allowing older children, especially girls, to attend school.
Conclusion
Early Childhood Education and Substitute Care are not merely supportive services, but they are the pillars of a child’s holistic development and a society’s long-term progress. The early years of a child represent a critical period when the foundations of language, behavior, social interaction, and emotional well-being are laid down. When quality care and a stimulating environment are given to children in their formative years, they grow into more confident, capable, and well-adjusted individuals. Substitute care through creches, daycare centers, or preschools provides them with safety and supervision. It also fosters learning opportunities that complement the environment of the home. For working parents, especially mothers, these services are a lifeline and a big saviour that enables them to balance family responsibilities with economic participation without compromising their children’s growth.