[Fernanda]

I think a very limited screen time is okay for the kids but I would always need to be showing a video or song that they can see on a screen I would rather have them let me read a book or listen to the music or even use instruments toys to make there own music i don’t think screen time is very necessary

[Sihaam Ahmed]

Screen time in childcare, especially for young children, is a topic that requires careful consideration. Research has shown that excessive screen time can have adverse effects on a child’s development, particularly in areas such as attention, concentration, impulsivity, imagination, planning, language, and social skills. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen media for children two and younger, and no more than 1-2 hours per day for older children. This is because young children learn best through interactive, hands-on experiences with people and their environment, not passive watching. It’s also important to remember that screen time isn’t just about quantity, but also about the quality of the content. Educational programs or apps should be age-appropriate, engaging, and ideally, used together with an adult who can help make the experience more interactive and meaningful.

[Trainer]

Sihaam’s comment is insightful, emphasizing the need for limited, high-quality, interactive screen time in childcare.

[mia costello]

Screen time should be strictly limited or completely non-existent in a professional childcare center. The focus should be child engagement.

[Elizabeth]

I think screen time can be helpful in a childcare setting in very limited and regulated instances. Interaction with caregivers and peers is much more valuable to a child’s development.

[Anya Droppo]

Screen time for children in childcare can be a nuanced topic. On one hand, screens can offer educational content and tools that enhance learning when used appropriately. However, excessive or poorly managed screen time can impact children’s development, particularly affecting their social skills and physical health.

It’s important to balance screen time with active play, face-to-face interactions, and hands-on learning experiences. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for children aged 2 to 5, screen time should be limited to one hour per day of high-quality programming. For older children, screen time should be managed in the context of overall daily routines and priorities. Overuse of screens often leads to issues like reduced physical activity, impaired social development, and disrupted sleep patterns.

In childcare settings, screens should be used intentionally and not as a primary activity. They should supplement, rather than replace, interactive and developmental activities. The key is to ensure that any screen time is educational, age-appropriate, and integrated into a broader, balanced approach to learning and play.

At my job in a Montessori preschool, we intentionally keep screens out of the classroom to foster a more engaging and interactive environment. We believe that children thrive best through hands-on activities and real-life interactions. Our approach emphasizes exploration, creativity, and social interaction without the distraction of screens. By focusing on tangible, sensory-rich experiences, we support children’s development in a way that aligns with Montessori principles and promotes their overall well-being. Children should spend their time exploring, playing, and learning through direct interaction with their environment and people around them.

[Rachel Kahler]

I think screen time can be used in learning facilities as long as it is for educational purposes and is limited.

[Danielle]

I do not think it is necessary for screens to be used in childcare. I think if teachers want to use audiobooks that is a good way to give children something to focus on if their is a need for it. Even this i would only use for four years old and up. If a child comes from a home where all they do at home is watch TV or YouTube I think it is in their best interest not to have screens at school as they are then able to have a good amount of social and physical interaction which they otherwise would not get.

[Noelia GarciaLuna]

To me having a lot of screen time is not good for the child but having a little screen time is good to be able to distract the child and being able to get something important done in the house or important work having a lot of screen time and not playing with the child is not good so making time to play with the child is better then putting a screen on and having the child entertain themselves

[Christina Kortering]

I find that the more screen time a child has, the less creative he/she is. If a child has a screen at his/her fingertips whenever he/she gets bored, then the child has less opportunity for creativity. Boredom is often seen as a negative thing, but I have found that even in my own life, if I find myself bored, I actually come up with some pretty cool stuff to do or create.

[Sadie G]

I’m an advocate for little to zero screen time. While it can be a great tool for entertainment, it takes away so many opportunities to self regulate, entertain oneself and connect with others. When our kiddos are simply viewing, there is not as much growth as when connecting and interacting in person.

[Trainer]

Sadie, I agree with your perspective. Screen time limits opportunities for self-regulation and social interaction. Well said!

[Emily]

A screen free childcare settings is beneficial for young children’s development. Instead of relying on screens, I focus on providing hands-on, interactive activities that promote learning and engagement. Activities like storytelling, arts and crafts, outdoor play, and group games encourage children to explore their creativity, develop social skills, and stay physically active. By creating a stimulating environment filled with diverse, screen-free experiences, I can support children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical growth more effectively. I understand that screens can sometimes be useful tools, but I prioritize direct, meaningful interactions and real-world experiences to foster a well-rounded development in children.

[Emma Schleigh]

In my center we do not offer screen time, I think it is best to leave it up to parents to monitor what media their children consume. Music and movement along with stories and actively playing with the children offer enough engagement throughout the day that screen time would actually interfere with our class routines and rituals.

[Kadi Balcom]

Screen time for kids should be balanced. It’s good to limit it, especially for younger children, and make sure they’re watching educational and high-quality content. Watching together and talking about what they’re seeing can make it more beneficial. Also, make sure it doesn’t get in the way of sleep, playtime, and real-life interactions.

[Ryley H]

While familiarity with technology is a crucial life skill in this day and age, screen time during early childhood doesn’t encourage children to interact with their environment and instead take be passively engaged.

[Destiny Palencia]

The less amount of screen time the better. Its best to do activities that dont involve screen time to better develop a child’s brain. Things like going outside or playing with toys inside are better than having a child sit with a screen in front of their face.