The Social & Emotional Benefits of Daycare Post-COVID

The Pandemic’s Impact on Social and Emotional Development

Research indicates that children born during the pandemic scored lower in gross motor, fine motor, and social-emotional development than before. Reduced social interactions and limited access to early childhood education contributed to these developmental delays. ​

Additionally, studies have shown that children’s social-affecting development declined during the pandemic, with behavioural problems and mental health issues emerging. While some issues have receded, prosocial behaviours—how well children get along with peers—have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Modern Daycare Strategies Supporting Emotional Well-Being

To counteract these challenges, modern daycare centres have implemented several strategies:​

1. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs: Daycares incorporate SEL curricula to help children manage emotions, set goals, and establish relationships. These programs are crucial in promoting positive mental health, especially for children whose daily lives were disrupted by the pandemic. 
2. Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence Activities: The centres focus on mindfulness practices and activities that nurture emotional intelligence, helping children recognise and manage their emotions effectively. ​ 
3. Enhanced Socialization Opportunities: Daycares recognise the importance of peer interactions and provide structured activities that promote cooperation, empathy, and communication skills, laying the groundwork for future success and happiness.
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4. Intergenerational Programs: Some centres have introduced programs where children interact with elderly individuals, fostering social skills and affecting expression. For example, a UK school collaborated with a retirement community, significantly improving children’s confidence and social abilities. 
5. Parental Engagement and Support: Daycares are partnering with parents to reinforce SEL at home, ensure consistency in emotional learning, and provide resources to support children’s mental and emotional health

The Role of Quality in Daycare

The quality of daycare plays a pivotal role in shaping children’s developmental trajectories and influencing their cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. High-quality childcare environments provide nurturing and stimulating experiences that foster optimal growth, while lower-quality settings may hinder development.​

Key Components of High-Quality Daycare

High-quality daycare encompasses several critical elements:​

1. Qualified and Experienced Caregivers: Caregivers with specialized training and experience in early childhood education are better equipped to support children’s developmental needs. Studies have shown that children exhibit significantly better developmental outcomes in classrooms with more experienced caregivers who engage in high-quality interactions. 
2. Low Child-to-Staff Ratios: Maintaining low ratios ensures that each child receives adequate attention and personalized care, promoting secure attachments and individualized learning opportunities.​ 
3. Safe and Stimulating Environments: Safe environments enriched with age-appropriate materials encourage exploration and learning, contributing to cognitive and motor development.​ 
4. Curriculum and Learning Activities: Implementing a structured curriculum that supports early learning and language development is essential. Beneficial outcomes for children in childcare are associated with settings that provide both nurture and support for these areas. ​ 
5. Emotional Support and Socialization: High-quality daycare centres emphasize the importance of social interactions, helping children develop empathy, resilience, and prosocial behaviours. Enrolling in such centres has been linked to developing these traits later in life. ​

Long-Term Benefits of High-Quality Daycare

Engaging in high-quality daycare has been associated with numerous long-term benefits:​

• Academic Achievement: Children who receive high-quality childcare as infants, toddlers, and preschoolers tend to perform better in science, technology, engineering, and math through high school.
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• Cognitive Development: Early exposure to enriching daycare environments can improve cognitive abilities, including enhanced language skills and problem-solving capabilities.​

   

• Social Competence: Children from high-quality daycare settings often exhibit better social skills, enabling them to form positive relationships and navigate social situations effectively.​

Risks Associated with Lower-Quality Daycare

Conversely, lower-quality daycare environments may pose risks to children’s development:​

• Increased Stress Levels: Environments lacking adequate caregiver attention and support can lead to elevated stress in children, potentially impacting their emotional well-being. ​ 
• Behavioural Issues: Extended periods in subpar childcare settings have been linked to social-emotional challenges, including increased problem behaviours.

The Abecedarian Early Intervention Project

The Abecedarian Project, initiated in 1972, provides compelling evidence of the impact of high-quality early childhood education. This controlled experiment involved infants receiving full-time, high-quality educational intervention in childcare from infancy through age five.

The outcomes demonstrated that children who participated in the program had significantly better developmental outcomes, including higher academic achievement and cognitive abilities, than those who did not receive the intervention.

FAQs

What is Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)?

SEL is a methodology that helps students understand and manage their emotions, set positive goals, show empathy for others, and establish positive relationships.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect children’s social skills?

The pandemic led to reduced social interactions, resulting in delays in social-emotional development.

What role does daycare play in a child’s emotional development?

Daycare centres provide structured environments where children can develop social skills, learn to manage emotions and build relationships, which are crucial for emotional well-being.

Are intergenerational programs effective in daycare settings?

Yes, programs that involve interactions between children and elderly individuals have been shown to improve children’s confidence, social skills, and sentimental expression.

How can parents support their child’s emotional well-being?

Parents can engage in activities that promote emotional intelligence, maintain open communication, and collaborate with daycare providers.

Conclusion

Modern daycare environments have evolved to address the social and emotional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. By implementing SEL programs, mindfulness activities, enhanced socialization opportunities, intergenerational interactions, and strong parental engagement, daycares are playing a pivotal role in supporting children’s sentimental well-being and learning in 2025.