What is early childhood development?

Early childhood development, or also early childhood education refers to general educational and developmental support for children from birth until preschool age. Unlike early intervention, which aims to improve the prospects of mentally or physically disabled children, early childhood development refers to non-disabled children and includes both targeted measures in courses, nurseries and daycare centers as well as playful support in everyday life.

PEKiP, baby swimming: the classics

PEKiP courses promote through varying play activities and interaction between babies and parents the children's perception of the environment. The groups are offered for children from 4 weeks up to walking age.

Baby swimming classes (from about the 4th month) promote the motor skills and improve the awareness of their own body. In addition, contact with water is an intense and sensory experience for babies.

Early childhood development at home – tips for parents

• Love and attention: A loving approach is the best support for children. Spend a lot of time with your child, listen to them attentively and support them at their individual pace of development.

• Cuddles without end: Physical contact is indispensable for children. The younger they are, the more important physical closeness is for a secure attachment and healthy development – when roughhousing, when putting them to bed, or even quickly in between.

• Provide stimulation: Make sure that the child's room offers plenty of opportunities for playing and crafting are: Depending on age and preferences, these can be building blocks, stacking cups, drawing paper, pencils, craft materials, balls, cloths, and much more.

• Reading together: Children not only love stories and rhymes, but also cuddling together while reading aloud. Even in infancy you can 'read aloud', later you can with your child continue the stories from the picture books to extend them to stimulate imagination.

• Roughhousing, running, dancing: Children have a natural urge to move, and the more they move, the more intensively the nerve endings in the brain responsible for learning ability connect. Give your child time and space to romp – preferably outdoors.

• Encourage curiosity: Children occupy themselves with everything, from pot lids to newspapers. Emptying cupboards, digging in the sand, splashing in water – let your child discover their environment and accompany them attentively without intervening too much in their play.

Image credits

Father shows affection to baby, builds bond © Prostock-studio - stock.adobe.com

Baby is held in the pool and sticks out its tongue © Alexandra - stock.adobe.com