Choosing an Early Care and Education program is one of the most important decisions families make. Parents often wonder if group care might affect bonding, health, or long-term development. Fortunately, decades of research confirms, when programs are nurturing, safe, and high-quality, children thrive in Early Care and Education settings. These environments promote attachment, resilience and lifelong learning.

Infants: Building Trust and Security

Infants need warmth, safety, and consistent, loving attention. Some parents worry by placing an infant in group care it could weaken the bond between parent and child. However, studies show that secure attachment develops primarily at home and continues to flourish when infants experience reliable, affectionate caregiving in Early Care and Education programs.

Choosing high-quality infant programs with trained caregivers who respond promptly and warmly to each child’s needs is important. This not only provides infants with a strong sense of security but also introduces them to safe sensory exploration, music and early interactions.

While it’s true infants may encounter minor illnesses earlier in group care, research suggests this exposure can strengthen their immune systems over time. With proper hygiene practices in place, programs can create a healthy environment where infants feel both safe and loved.

Toddlers: Social Growth and Exploration

Toddlers are naturally curious and full of energy. Early Care and Education programs provide opportunities to interact with peers, practice sharing and learn routines. These are all crucial steps toward building social and emotional regulation.

Research highlights that toddlers who engage in group play environments gain valuable skills in cooperation, patience and communication. Activities such as art, music, outdoor play, and sensory exploration also promote problem-solving, creativity, and independence. These everyday experiences prepare toddlers for the next stages of learning while developing critical social and emotional skills. 

Preschoolers and School-Age Children: Learning for Life

For preschool and school-age children, Early Care and Education programs extend learning beyond the home and classroom. Research consistently finds that children in high-quality group settings demonstrate stronger language, literacy, cognitive skills, and improved readiness for school.

Our programs balance structured learning opportunities with the freedom of imaginative play, giving children space to grow academically while also building friendships and emotional skills.. After-school programs for older children also provide safe, enriching spaces where they can explore new interests, complete homework with support, make new friends and develop important life skills.

Numerous large-scale studies—including the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development and research from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child, emphasize the powerful impact of quality Early Care and Education. 

Benefits include:

• Stronger language and communication skills developed through songs, storytelling and conversation.
• Social-emotional growth through peer interaction, cooperation, and practicing self-regulation.
• Cognitive development supported by problem-solving, early literacy, STREAM activities and group interactions.
• School readiness, as children learn to adapt to routines, transitions and group learning environments.

Children who experience positive Early Care and Education environments often enter elementary school more confident, better prepared academically, and equipped with essential social skills that carry into adulthood.

What Families Should Look For

Not all programs are equal. Research emphasizes that quality matters most. Families should seek out programs that are:

• Licensed with strong safety practices.
• Staffed by nurturing, responsive, and trained educators.
• Equipped with age-appropriate materials.
• Dedicated to creating warm, consistent routines and positive relationships.

Early Care and Education is not simply “childcare” it is an investment in your child’s future. With the right program, children of every age gain the social, emotional, and cognitive tools they need to succeed not only in school but throughout life.