Parents looking for daycare in Brookline often naturally prefer programs offering a nurturing environment similar to what they provide for their child at home. So much more than routine care, parents for whom a nurturing environment is important should specifically look for daycare programs centered around the child's well-being.

Why consider nurturing day care programs?

The first years of life are critical for the "whole child". This is a time of rapid social, emotional, and cognitive development. Research indicates that young children who do not receive nurturing in early life may be less well adjusted later on. It's clear then that when considering Brookline daycare providers, seeking more than routine maintenance care is incredibly important.

What makes a day care program "nurturing"?

Nurturing daycare is a philosophy as much as a practice. A nurturing day care program would have policies, for example, on using positive reinforcement as a means of discipline. In this case, rewards and encouragement are used to recognize good behavior rather than "punishment". Policies at a nurturing daycare program would also encourage children to verbalize feelings and and provide tools for youngsters to deal with them constructively. Disruptive or destructive behaviors would be redirected to a constructive alternative instead. Rather than shaming a child, nurturing day care providers enable them to make better choices.

What should parents look for in a daycare program?

Parents desiring a nurturing daycare in Brookline should look specifically for a program that helps youngsters build self-esteem, self-confidence and positive social skills.

In a nutshell, parents should focus on those day care programs with established, formal policies and programs that emphasize a positive approach to learning. Parents should note how teachers and staff interact with the children. Staff that consistently focuses upon encouraging children in their care demonstrate that a daycare program's nurturing policies are actually put into practice.

It is also important to note that children in any daycare program need different types of nurturing according to their age. Infants receive nurturing through contact as much as interaction. They respond to being held and soothed, whereas toddlers thrive in an environment that encourages active, hands-on exploration of the world and positive interaction with peers. Beyond specific policies on providing daycare services, parents should observe what type of care is provided and determine if it is age-appropriate.

Nurturing daycare is a care that encourages the whole child, celebrates their development and allows them to flourish as individuals.