8 BENEFITS OF MIXED AGE CARE

What are the benefits of care in a mixed age classroom? Children will learn from others through observation and interaction. Here are some reasons why we find learning in a multi-age setting is beneficial for our children’s development.

Social Emotional Learning and Development
When children have the chance to interact and socialize with peers of different ages, it helps them in developing social skills and building confidence as well as self-esteem.

Learning with your Peers
Learning with peers that are varying in age (2-5) helps children build confidence, learn from one  another, and how to model for others by setting a good example.

Teamwork
Demonstrating and instilling the importance of teamwork can teach children to listen and respect the opinions of others, cooperation and equality.

Family Connections
Siblings can remain in the same classrooms while still interacting with other children. For some, it helps in the process of gradual entry if it is their first experience being away from family or caretakers.

Individual Support Plan
Teachers are able to to focus on the needs of each child rather than the developmental levels of the overall levels in a same age classroom.

Empathy
Children learn compassion, patience and problem-solving skills as they interact and help other children.

Challenge
Younger children will find a sense of challenge when working on more complex activities with older peers.

Diversity
Children are exposed to different cultures and family backgrounds in which they learn to respect each other’s values.

Check our WOLO child care programs. We offer various educational drop-in programs and child care for ages 2-5. Click here to read more!