How Does Day Care Impact Children's Cognitive Development?

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How Does Day Care Impact Children’s Cognitive Development?

Cognitive development is most often tested through IQ tests.  It is widely agreed that stimulation and a secure base for exploration is vital for good cognitive development.

   If the staff at the day care centre do not provide stimulation and instead reward quiet behaviour, and passivity, then the child is likely to fall behind in cognitive development. (Bryant et al al 1980)  Brooks-Gunn’s study supported this also, and said that if the mother went to work before the child was one, then cognitive development could be hindered.  However, subsequent studies disagree.

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Anderson conducted a study in 1992 in Sweden and concluded that children with the highest cognitive development were those who entered day care before the age of 1. Those with the lowest cognitive development did not have any day care at all.  However Sweden is renowned for low staff-child ratios in day care centres and is unlike most other places.  This means the results cannot necessarily be applied elsewhere, but also stresses how important the quality of day care is.  

   Some believe that there is no difference at all in children’s cognitive development whether or not they have experienced ...

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