Play Teaches Problem-Solving and Life Skills
Located at 1017 Laurel Street in Marshfield, Shining Stars Child Care is more than a place for parents to leave their children – it’s a home away from home where kids can learn and grow.
Owned and operated by child care veteran Deb Decker, Shining Stars is a strong advocate of “play-based learning” as part of its teaching philosophy.
“It’s the whole idea that children learn best through play,” said Decker. “For example, what do kids learn while they are in the sandbox? They learn math skills: size and quantity. They learn sensory, the hard and the soft, and social skills, like how to share. The list goes on. It works because most kids learn at a different rate.”
Child-centered, play-based learning is an educational approach that promotes academic, socioemotional, and cognitive development through free play, or through guided play by an adult. In the latter, teachers enhance children’s exploration and learning with guidance while being careful not to be invasive in the children’s play. Developmentally appropriate learning for young children, in play-based learning children learn at their own pace through the natural process of play.
“One of the greatest benefits of play is developing social competence,” said Decker. “Kids get to make their own choices. If they don’t learn how to problem solve at this age, how will they when they are older?”
Along with play-based learning, employees are encouraged to be creative, resulting in a fun and educational environment for children.
Play and learning is funded with help from Young Star grants. Any licensed or certified center that has children who get daycare assistance from the state is required to be part of the Young Star Program. (Day care centers must be a 3-star facility to receive children with assistance.)
As part of Young Star, Shining Stars receives a $1,000 grant each year.
“We’ve used that money for education materials, updated equipment and supplies, increasing staff education by attending seminars and training, and having speakers come in,” said Decker.
Learn more about Shining Stars Child Care and play-based learning by contacting them or taking a tour.
