Parents might consider ways to keep their children entertained and engaged during the upcoming school holidays. This is where holiday care programmes such as Club Engage can be the best solution. Club Engage leads the way in aftercare and holiday care by providing quality play, a concept that combines fun with creative activities in a play-based learning environment.
Genevieve Allen, owner and founder of Club Engage discusses how education is a broad field, and parents need to remember that playing is part of that education process, especially in the early years of a child's development. Quality play is important for children to ensure optimum success during the education and development cycle.
But What is Quality Play?
It is an approach to learning that allows children to be children. It emphasises learning through play and the experience of a wide range of artistic, cultural, cognitive, social, and physical activities.
While structure and routine are important, they are balanced to curb children's ability to express themselves and explore new concepts. Quality play builds essential cognitive skills, including intrinsic motivation, executive functioning (such as working memory and self-regulation), and growth in problem-solving abilities.
Quality play enhances children’s development and well-being.
Optimal Environments
Aftercare and holiday programmes provide specifically designed play-centred environments for children to experience an optimal learning experience. These environments allow children to play, have fun and learn all at the same time.
The resources and systems in these environments are dynamic and fluid and support what children bring to the day. Children are adaptive and expect the environment to provide the opportunity to experiment and explore. The core constructs of collaboration, co-creation, communication and symbiosis are all intertwined within the design of the play-centred environment.
When children are well cared for and their need for independence, exploration and taking safe "risks" is appreciated and fostered, the play environment is sufficient.
Qualified Connections
Quality play is independent of professional teachers to make it possible. Many individuals can nurture free spirits in children. It is, however, pertinent that these individuals can foster a core connection with children and their development and spend the necessary time with a child.
Club Engage staff nationwide – backed by focused and ongoing training and high-quality leadership and support – are those individuals. They have a true love for child education entrenched in their being and fully understand the concept of quality play and making learning fun.
Parents can set their minds at ease because Club Engage aftercare centres and holiday programmes are fully equipped to care for their little ones.
They provide unmatched care through unforgettable experiences that positively impact the children's lives.
For More Information
Visit clubengage.co.za.
You can also contact them by emailing [email protected] or calling 082 875 6371.
Don't forget to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest news, information, offerings, and more.
Address: Club Engage has over 20 childcare sites, including aftercare and holiday care, across Johannesburg. These sites cater to both three-term and four-term calendar schools. For more information click here.
