[allie]

Screen time for children in childcare is a topic that requires thoughtful consideration and balance. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Quality and Content: The quality and content of screen time are crucial factors to consider. Interactive and educational programs or apps that are age-appropriate and aligned with learning objectives can offer valuable learning experiences for children. However, passive screen time, such as watching television or videos with no educational value, should be minimized.

2. Moderation: Like all activities, screen time should be moderated and balanced with a variety of other developmentally appropriate activities, such as outdoor play, hands-on exploration, social interaction, and creative expression. Excessive screen time can displace time that could be spent on more enriching and beneficial activities.

3. Developmental Stage: Consideration should be given to the developmental stage and individual needs of each child. Young children, especially infants and toddlers, require more hands-on, interactive experiences to support their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Screen time may be more appropriate for older preschoolers and school-age children, but should still be limited and monitored.

4. Screen-Free Zones and Times: Establishing screen-free zones and times within the childcare environment can help promote healthy habits and balance. Designate specific areas or times where screens are not allowed, such as during meals, outdoor play, or quiet reading time.

5. Active Engagement and Interaction: When using screens, encourage active engagement and interaction rather than passive consumption. Engage children in discussions, ask questions, and encourage them to apply what they have learned to real-life experiences.

6. Educator Guidance and Supervision: Educators play a crucial role in guiding and supervising children’s screen time activities. They should select appropriate content, set limits, and monitor children’s interactions to ensure that screen time remains constructive and beneficial.

7. Family Partnerships: Collaboration with families is essential in managing children’s screen time both in childcare and at home. Educators should communicate with families about screen time policies, share information about appropriate content and usage, and work together to support healthy screen time habits.

8. Professional Development: Ongoing professional development and training for educators can help them stay informed about best practices and research findings related to screen time and technology use in early childhood settings.

In summary, while screen time can offer educational benefits when used appropriately, it should be approached with caution and moderation in childcare settings. By considering factors such as content, moderation, developmental stage, and educator guidance, childcare providers can create a balanced approach to screen time that supports children’s holistic development and well-being.

[rosemary quintero]

i think screen time is not very healthy for children. it can have a negativity effect on them. i personally set limits to screen time form my children and as them to play out doors more.

[Abigail K Stidham]

I think it would be better if there was little to no screen time in a childcare environment. Childrens brains need stimulation but instead of getting that through screens, it should be done by play, sing, or human interaction of some kind.

[Trainer]

Great point, Abigail! Children benefit more from play and human interaction than screen time.

[Jose Antonio Montor Torres]

For I think is better not to offer screen time in the early learning programs, because on these times the children pass more time on screens at home and screens are not helping to the brain development. Studies are showing that when a child use screen time they having more problems on behaviors, attention, concentration, language and social skills.

[Bethany]

Screen time for young children is not beneficial for development. It inhibits their interaction with the real world and has a negative impact on their ability to focus and concentrate.

[Christina]

In my opinion, there shouldn’t be screen time in child care facilities, very often, maybe 1 time every 2 weeks depending on why, what it is in regards to, but should be for the older children.

[Mackenzie]

I think screen time should be something done at home because not all parents agree with letting their children have screen time, especially younger kids. At a child care I think playing music for them or listening to rhymes is okay but I don’t think screen time is a bad idea, kids can learn so much watching videos or playing interactive games as long as they are age appropriate and learning related.

[Carole Harper]

Screentime should occur very rarely in a childcare setting. Only as a special activity and only for older children (older than 2)

[Vladyslav]

Overall, while some screen time can be a valuable tool for learning and engagement, it should be used thoughtfully and in moderation, with a focus on promoting children’s overall well-being and development. Encourage interactive screen experiences that engage children actively rather than passive viewing.

[Tetiana]

Encourage interactive screen experiences that engage children actively rather than passive viewing.

Overall, while some screen time can be a valuable tool for learning and engagement, it should be used thoughtfully and in moderation, with a focus on promoting children’s overall well-being and development.

[Ethan Winstead]

I think that screentime should only be allowed every once in a while for something like a family, or community movie night, but otherwise should be completely avoided if possible, especially things such as games, or videos on personal phones and tablets. Instead try focusing on activities that enable creativity, and keep the interest of the kids, or do something like staying active by playing outside, or playing sports in the gym.

[Mackenzie]

I don’t believe children need screentime at all in a daycare environment. If the parent chooses to allow their child to have screentime at home that is their prerogative, but I do feel that it causes children to be more distant, aggressive, and overall unengaged with their peers and the lessons being taught in daycare.

[Trainer]

Mackenzie, I agree. Children thrive on real interactions and hands-on learning experiences.

[Mason]

I feel like it all depends on the types of screen time, the amount of screen time, and the media being shown on those screens. I feel like there is no harm in having very limited potential group screen time using a TV to watch educational content occasionally. But tablets and individual screens, I don’t see any use or need for.

[Azucena C]

I’m not totally against screen time in my childcare we don’t have screen time I mean young infants and older infants shouldn’t be watching any tv or phone they should be exploring touching and feeling we can read books to them instead sign a song and give them toys with sounds . Older children can maybe enjoy a little amount of time on the screen but I rather not I will give them activities to keep children entertained and engaged with fun games and activities or even outdoor play is so fun for older children .

[Tiffany]

I’m not a fan of screen time and I don’t think it’s necessary for when a child is in childcare. I think screen time at home with families is fine, but while in childcare I think it’s really important to be present in the moment and developing with other methods.