What are the 3 A’s of Child Care? And Why are they Important?

In the dynamic world of childcare, understanding the fundamental needs of children is crucial. We can help understand and plot these needs by remembering the 3 A’s of Childcare:

– Attention
– Approval
– Affection

These serve as cornerstones in fostering a healthy environment for child development. Together we’ll dive into how these three elements play a pivotal role in daycare and early childhood education.

1. Attention: The Key to Discovering Potential

The first A, Attention, is the bedrock of child care. It’s not just about supervising children, but actively engaging with them. Attention is like shining a light on a child’s innate abilities and interests. A study by the National Association for the Education of Young Children highlights that personalized attention in early learning settings significantly enhances cognitive and social development. By observing and responding to a child’s needs and interests, educators and caregivers in daycares pave the way for a tailored learning experience.

But in this respect, not all daycares are created equal. In Daycares, there is something called a teacher-child ratio. This is how many students that one teacher is allowed to watch in a classroom. It varies by age, but the important part is that in many daycares, they have huge classrooms with a couple of teachers responsible for dozens of little energetic youngsters. It’s very hard to give proper individualized attention to each child throughout the day, if the classroom is that large. So a good daycare tends to have smaller class sizes, where teachers have less students to worry about.

Big Hearts Little Hands is committed to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing atmosphere, with tenured, experienced and credentialed teachers that are passionate about early childhood education including some that have been here 5+ years! Contact Us today to Schedule a Tour.

2. Approval: Building Blocks of Self-Esteem

Approval, the second A, is about providing positive reinforcement. This aspect is crucial in shaping a child’s self-esteem and confidence. In a daycare environment, when a child’s efforts are acknowledged, it fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Dr. James Heckman, a Nobel laureate in economics, emphasizes the long-term benefits of early emotional development, noting that children who receive approval and encouragement are more likely to succeed academically and socially.

A developing child needs many more positive interactions than negative ones. Despite our best intentions as parents, the long grind of the day and the exhausting antics of our little rascals can wear on us, and sometimes we can slip into a bad habit of letting good behavior go unacknowledged and only correct bad behavior. For daycare teachers, this is their profession and their job, and they only have to do it for part of the day. So it can be a deep well of positive interactions for a child to attend daycare and receive affirmations.

Big Hearts Little Hands wants to provide that loving and nurturing atmosphere for all of our children. We strive to create experiences that are fun, creative and educational, while encouraging their creative energy and develop their social skills. Contact Us today and tour our facilities!

3. Affection: The Heart of Child Care

The third A, Affection, is the emotional cornerstone of childcare. It involves showing love, warmth, and care. In the context of early childhood education, affectionate interactions are pivotal. According to a report from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, affection in early years leads to healthier brain development, particularly in areas responsible for emotion and learning. Daycares that prioritize affectionate care create a secure environment for children, encouraging a lifetime of exploration and learning.

Now of course, there is no affection that even comes close to that of a parent. A daycare teacher cannot hope to rival the mother-child or father-child bond. But a passionate teacher can act as a “wingman” to be that source of affection when you, the parent, are away. At Big Hearts Little Hands, we believe that everyone is family. We value the relationships we build with our children and parents more than anything, and that means that all of our students quickly become a part of our family. Schedule a Tour and see for yourself!

Incorporating the 3 A’s in Childcare Settings

To put the 3 A’s into early childhood education requires a holistic approach. It’s about creating an environment where children feel seen, valued, and loved. Programs should focus on child-centered instruction, where the curriculum is adaptable to individual needs and interests. Furthermore, caregiver training is essential to ensure that the 3 A’s are consistently applied in daily interactions with children.

At Big Hearts Little Hands, we believe the 3 A’s of childcare are instrumental in nurturing well-rounded, confident, and happy individuals. As caregivers and educators, embracing the 3 A’s is our commitment to nurturing the future—one child at a time. We offer a phenomenal In-house designed, theme-based curriculum supplemented with rich extracurricular activities. And we are committed to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing atmosphere, with learning experiences that are fun, creative and educational. We’re conveniently located in the Powell area of Columbus, Ohio since 2014. Book a Free Tour and become the newest member of our family!