Computers in Daycare/Preschool

[spud912]

So I always browse my "competition," and I'm noticing more and more day cares and preschools with computer stations for the kids (with 2-3 computers at a small desk). I was just wondering what you all thought of this and if you have computers for the children.

I do not intend on getting a computer for the children since it's just another form of "screen time." I already try to limit the screen time to 20 minutes or less (when I am preparing lunch since it is a difficult transition time), so the computer would have no place in my daycare. I don't even go on the computer myself except during nap time and only when the kids are asleep.

I was just wondering if this is what I have to compete with. I hope that parents don't start expecting all preschool-atmospheres to provide computer time.

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

We have no TV here.

We do have a computer station for the children. They are allowed 5 minutes on it.

[Kaddidle Care]

I'm in a Center and while we have computers, the time is limited so that everyone gets a turn. (I try to limit them to 15 minutes each because our class time is only 3 hours.)

Honestly, they are more trouble than they are worth. We have some nice programs but the kids always want to change it and end up messing things up until the point that the computers won't run.

If you get a computer, I suggest that you use an old one that only runs age appropriate games and no internet connection.

The Jump Start programs are good as far as software.

[Hunni Bee]

I have one in my classroom and I think it's beneficial. My kids are only limited to 8 minutes at a time (well 16, because they can sit next to someone then get a turn to use it).

The way it's set up, the kids can't access anything outside of the programs I choose for them. It didn't have internet before today, but we often want to look up random things and we had to use my phone, so Im setting it up.

[Kaddidle Care]

Word of advice - turn the internet settings off while the Kadiddles are on the computer. They have a way of ****ing in all kinds of things accidentally - trust me - btdt!

[Unregistered]

I don't think they are neccessary and no,I will never give young children access to a computer. Can someone please explain the "benefits " of using a computer for 8 minutes or 15 minutes? What do they get out of it that can't be taught without the use of a computer? Seriously asking!

[SilverSabre25]

I don't think they are neccessary and no,I will never give young children access to a computer. Can someone please explain the "benefits " of using a computer for 8 minutes or 15 minutes? What do they get out of it that can't be taught without the use of a computer? Seriously asking!

Computer skills and literacy from a very young age
Another "learning style" approach if the games are educational
Fine motor practice and hand-eye coordination from mouse use
Computer literacy from a very young age

Like it or not, computers are an integral part of society now and that will NOT change--to survive in this world children need a high level of computer abilities and literacy.

[WImom]

I do have one and they get to use it about 2 times a week for about 10 minutes.

Our schools here are using computers alot - actually every classroom has a pod of 8 computers in my child's school. Since I'm only preschool age I want them ready to atleast use the mouse by K5.

[littlemissmuffet]

Most parents choose our daycare for a variety of reasons, but what usually seals the deal is that we do not have television and we do not allow children computer access.

I only take children 12 months to 5 years. Children 5 and under do not need to learn how to use a computer. They will learn during their 12 years of school! I agree that computers are a very significant part of today's world - but I disagree that young children need anything to do with them (as well as tv) or that it can help them learn any better than traditional styles of learning (board/card games, reading and writing with books/pen and paper, etc). I see 8 year olds with their own cellphones texting, 12 year olds with their own laptops in their bedrooms... completely ridiculous! I think treating these luxuries as necessities is going to contribute to a very socially retarded generation.

[Blackcat31]

Most parents choose our daycare for a variety of reasons, but what usually seals the deal is that we do not have television and we do not allow children computer access.

I only take children 12 months to 5 years. Children 5 and under do not need to learn how to use a computer. They will learn during their 12 years of school! I agree that computers are a very significant part of today's world - but I disagree that young children need anything to do with them (as well as tv) or that it can help them learn any better than traditional styles of learning (board/card games, reading and writing with books/pen and paper, etc). I see 8 year olds with their own cellphones texting, 12 year olds with their own laptops in their bedrooms... completely ridiculous! I think treating these luxuries as necessities is going to contribute to a very socially retarded generation.

I get that ALOT as well! Even parents of children I have had in care for years have made comments about how differently their child now plays/acts.

I have only been TV free now for about 2 years (I think....) but I see tons of change and love it!!

The biggest thing is the outside play.....NONE of my kids ever complain about being outside. They used to but don't anymore. I actually thought at first that it was just the group of kids I had but I am now thinking it is the lack of TV time.

[Country Kids]

We do have computor time but I'm the only one that touches the keys/computor. We do the Starfall program as well as the Mother Goose curriculum. The kids I have love, love, love it! One mom actually commented a month or so ago that her child is much further ahead here then her other to were that went to a "Traditional Preschool/Kindergarten" and the child is 4. I don't push academics but we do preschool time through play, screentime, and lots of outdoor time.

[Lianne]

I had a laptop set up when I had 3-5yr ols in my care. A couple 2yr olds were even able to manage using it. They had access once a day for 15mins, give or take. I set up several kids sites in the favorites list and the kids could access whichever they wanted to. They all loved Webkinz JR, so did I, in fact. I found it educational and group friendly. My group is younger now so I've put the laptop away.

[CheekyChick]

We have one computer station for the older preschoolers. They rarely ask to use it because we keep them so busy.

[My3cents]

going off topic a little

I get that ALOT as well! Even parents of children I have had in care for years have made comments about how differently their child now plays/acts.

I have only been TV free now for about 2 years (I think....) but I see tons of change and love it!!

The biggest thing is the outside play.....NONE of my kids ever complain about being outside. They used to but don't anymore. I actually thought at first that it was just the group of kids I had but I am now thinking it is the lack of TV time.

I wanted to comment on the outside time. I am going to go off topic. BLackcat- what is your outside space like- what do your kids do outside? Anyone can answer this........looking for ways to spruce up my outside areas. I am looking for boredom busters so to speak.

[Blackcat31]

I wanted to comment on the outside time. I am going to go off topic. BLackcat- what is your outside space like- what do your kids do outside? Anyone can answer this........looking for ways to spruce up my outside areas. I am looking for boredom busters so to speak.

Nothing too special...... I have a Little Tikes 8-in-1 climber, a 14 ft x 14 ft sandbox, a Little Tikes Castle and a fleet of Cozy Coupe cars. Sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, playground balls and 2 swings. Nothing else. My kiddos play all sorts of make believe games, they play "police/robbers" tag, hide n seek, traffic, follow the leader, do chalk on the sidewalks, dig in the sandbox, make sand castles, cook, and dig for dinosaur bones and army men.

My DS buried a whole bunch of plastic bones and 100's of plastic army men in the sandbox a few years ago and the kids still dig for them and are always so amazed when they "find" buried treasure.

I do NOT organize outside games/activities. They play and make up their own stuff and all I do is sit and observe.