Family serves as the initial educational foundation for children, often with mothers or other guardians guiding their first steps towards school readiness. However, with the recent shift towards smaller family sizes and the rising trend of both parents holding jobs, the responsibility of child-rearing has expanded beyond the home.
Consequently, after a specific period, parents are compelled to consider alternative means of care for their young ones, frequently feeling uneasy about entrusting their children solely to the hands of domestic help.
In order to ensure the healthy growth of their children and to prepare them for education while maintaining safety, many people place their trust in various pre-schools and daycare centres. These institutions not only prepare the children for school but also significantly alleviate the concerns of parents.
Happy's Baby Pre-school and Day Care and Little Ducklings are two such institutions that are reshaping early childhood education.
Happy's Baby Daycare and Pre-school: Trusted childcare and education
Happy's Baby Daycare and Pre-school, established in 2018, caters to 25 children with a team of nine caregivers.
The centre operates from 7:30am to 8pm, offering working parents a safe place for their children during work hours.
In the interest of the children's welfare, Happy's Baby Daycare and Pre-school has a strict no-smartphone policy for its teachers.
Founder Director Afroza Sultana Chowdhury said: "Our teachers do not use smartphones because they cause distraction. By not using smartphones, our staff can give full attention to the children and their needs."
According to Afroza, children attending pre-schools have a significant edge when they later transition into formal schooling.
"Children who have attended pre-schools tend to adapt quickly to the school environment, demonstrating ease in tasks like writing from the board and actively participating in extracurricular activities. They also exhibit an impressive capability to handle themselves in adverse situations,” she observed.
Even during the Covid pandemic, this institution remained operational.
Afroza mentioned that during the pandemic, many parents, particularly those from the medical field, found comfort in safely leaving their children under the care of Happy's Baby Daycare and Pre-school.
Speaking on their operations during the pandemic, Afroza said: “We had several children staying overnight at our daycare during the pandemic. With a special system in place and extra precautions for our teachers, we ensured the safety of all present. Many medical professionals had to quarantine for extended periods, and our facility became a safe and reliable haven for their children.”
Rumi Rahman, a teacher at Happy's Baby Daycare and Pre-school, said: “Every child is unique. We keep this in mind when we teach. We strive to enhance their understanding by using illustrative methods such as drawing pictures or using blocks. We believe that children learn a great deal through play.”
The Little Ducklings: A nurturing hub for holistic child development
Little Ducklings, another notable preschool and daycare centre situated in the Dhanmondi area, represents a new initiative by the Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
Operating between 8am and 7pm, this establishment cares for 25 children, overseen by four teachers who hold bachelor's degrees in child development and seven additional caregivers.
Ishrat Zereen, a teacher at Little Ducklings, expressed her passion for teaching, saying: "I have a deep interest in children, so I enjoy teaching. We focus on both the mental and physical development of the children. My understanding of children's developmental stages from infancy to adulthood makes my work much easier."
Little Ducklings embarked on its journey in 2019, maintaining a distinct schedule for preschool activities.
Ishrat Zereen elaborated: “We keep the children engaged in preschool activities for two hours, and the remaining time is for daycare services. We kickstart the preschool program by teaching rhymes. In the two-hour slot, we guide the children through activities like paper crafting and gross motor activities such as running and jumping."
Sharmeen Sultana, the central manager of Little Ducklings, explained: "We run a separate preschool in conjunction with our daycare. Parents can opt for half-day daycare if they wish. We dedicate two hours each morning to preschool activities. All our teachers are trained in child development."
“In today's world, families are typically small. In such a scenario, preschool and daycare become significantly more important. A group environment facilitates faster learning when they eventually start school," she said.
"We aim to equip children in such a way that they do not struggle during school admissions. We ensure they can confidently answer basic questions like their names and parents' names,” she added.
Shahnaz Hira, a parent of a Little Ducklings' attendee, shared her experience.
“My daughter was born during the Covid pandemic, limiting her interactions with others and making her wary of strangers. I enrolled her at this pre-school to enhance her social skills. Here, she learns from being around other children, and I can pursue my job with peace of mind," she said.
Akhi Akter, one of the caregivers, remarked: “I spend substantial time with the children. It is a job I find particularly rewarding. My day with them spans from breakfast to the afternoon.”
In light of expert views, children require an environment conducive to socializing and playing. The confined spaces of city homes often limit their opportunities for these essential activities. In this context, the roles of daycares and pre-schools become pivotal in shaping the future of children.
Undoubtedly, children are the architects of tomorrow. As such, meticulous attention to their mental and physical development is critical. However, the concrete urban landscape presents numerous challenges to their growth. The ability to socialize and engage in playful activities with their peers amplifies the necessity of pre-schools.
