In the world of childcare, the size of the daycare centre often becomes a hot topic of debate. While smaller daycare centers may offer a cozy atmosphere, larger daycare centres bring a host of additional benefits that can significantly impact child development.
Like anything in life, we always think each family has to decide what is best for them and their unique children, and ideally, most communities would offer a variety of choices.
With our Stephenson Point Location opening this year, we are well versed in the joys and challenges of running a large daycare centre. With over 20,000 square feet of space on four acres, we believe that we can provide exceptional level care, while also acknowledging that sometimes, bigger childcare centres come with their own advantages.
Let's explore why bigger might just be better in some cases, when it comes to daycare:
Diverse Social Interactions
In larger daycare centers like ours, children have the opportunity to interact with a more extensive and diverse group of peers. This exposure to a variety of personalities, backgrounds, and communication styles fosters social skills such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution from an early age. Plus, navigating a larger social network helps children adapt to different social dynamics—a crucial skill for success in school and beyond.
Rich Learning Environment
With more space and resources, larger daycare centers can offer a wider range of activities and learning opportunities. From spacious play areas for gross motor development to well-equipped classrooms for cognitive and creative exploration, children in larger daycare centers have access to a rich learning environment that stimulates curiosity and encourages exploration.
Whether it's engaging in sensory play, experimenting with art materials, or delving into STEM activities, every child can find something that sparks their interest and fuels their development.
Enhanced Teamwork and Collaboration
Larger daycare centres often have more staff members, allowing for greater collaboration and teamwork among educators. This means more opportunities for cooperative projects, group activities, and team-building exercises that promote important skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.
When children see adults working together harmoniously, they internalize valuable lessons about cooperation and mutual respect—an invaluable asset for future relationships and academic endeavours.
Exposure to Diversity and Inclusion
In a centre that can support many families, children are more likely to encounter peers from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This exposure to diversity fosters an appreciation for different perspectives, traditions, and values, laying the foundation for empathy, tolerance, and inclusivity.
By celebrating differences and embracing cultural diversity, larger daycare centers create a welcoming and supportive environment where every child feels valued and accepted for who they are.
Preparation for School Readiness
As children prepare to transition to school, the structured environment of a larger daycare center can help ease this transition. With routines, schedules, and group activities mirroring those of a school setting, children develop essential skills such as following instructions, taking turns, and participating in group discussions—preparing them for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Additionally, exposure to a larger peer group helps children build confidence, independence, and resilience, ensuring they enter school with the social and emotional skills needed to thrive. If you’ve got a little one at home that’s transitioning out of your care, and into childcare, we wrote a Guide for a Smooth Transition, to ease the process.
There is never a one size fits all approach when it comes to children, and it’s important to acknowledge the needs of your child and family whenever considering which childcare option to choose. While smaller daycare centres offer intimacy and personalized attention, larger daycare centres provide a myriad of benefits that contribute to holistic child development as well.
From fostering diverse social interactions to providing a rich learning environment and promoting essential skills like teamwork and inclusion, bigger daycare centers play a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong success. By embracing the advantages of larger-scale childcare, we can create nurturing environments where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and flourish.
This is what’s most important - that the children feel safe, welcome and free to explore the boundlessness of their own selves.
If you’ve been considering childcare for your child in Nanaimo, we’d love to connect with you. We offer a complimentary tour if you’d like to come and experience our facility for yourself, to see if it’s a good fit for your family.
For more information on our programs, before and after school care, and camps, start here.