Spontaneous or unscripted play is a vital part of the childcare center day. Although teachers and early childhood workers typically create lesson plans to fill the young child's day with structured activities, the opportunity for spur of the moment play has multiple benefits. A spontaneous play time such as free play with toys, explorative process art or open dramatic play can help young children to learn how to make choices, develop self-control, apply critical thinking skills and improve creativity. When play isn't bound by a specific guideline such as "pretend to be a veterinarian" or "draw a picture of a house," children have the ability to think for themselves, creating their own worlds.
One of the main advantages to placing your child in a center based environment is the opportunity for her to be around other kids of similar ages. Play in a daycare, nursery or preschool can help to enhance the young child's budding set of social skills. From sharing toys to taking turns at the easel during art activities, childcare center programs often use play as an important part of teaching kids to follow social norms and interact positively with others. Additionally, young children can develop emotional regulation skills by interacting with their peers during play times. For example, waiting to take a turn playing with a favorite toy car can help the child to practice self-regulation while developing an understanding of how to share with friends.
Early literacy development is a key component to many childcare programs. Although reading books and engaging in writing activities are certainly important ways to approach literacy development, play is an equally viable option. When young children play together they typically must talk to negotiate situations such as sharing a toy or creating a pretend act-out scenario. This type of play promotes positive language development as it allows the young child to practice verbal language skills. This may be especially beneficial for the non-native English learner or child with limited linguistic skills. Additionally, young children can hone reading skills by discussing environmental print such as letters on a game or a toy packaging during the play process.
From sports type games that require the use of large muscle groups to fine motor activities with manipulatives, play in the childcare environment can help the young child to develop many different physical abilities. A simple game of throw the ball or tag can help kids to improve coordination, gain muscle control and build muscles. Play activities that involve small or fine motor movements of the fingers such as rolling toy trucks and cars, finger painting, dressing a doll or building with blocks are easy ways for kids to develop dexterity and eye-hand coordination.