Sustainability in Childcare

What strikes people the most on their first visit is the fact that all of our services rest primarily on the twin pillars of sustainability and the environment. How to get children to think on the same level would be to emphasize and show the process of gardening as well as providing them with an environment which is as natural as possible.

The word ‘sustainability’ has gained more and more prominence in the past few years due to people and services alike becoming a lot more environmentally conscious in general. That being said, many people don’t realise the importance of teaching this to people at the youngest possible age. After all, that is when our minds are most malleable to various forms of information and ideas and our brains are literally like a sponge. When our minds absorb information with the least number of filters, that is when the ideas stay with us for a longer time. As we get older, we are more rigid towards newer and fresh ideas which indicates that the very opposite is true with children.

Many people seem to think that the whole idea of incorporating the idea of sustainability into our everyday lives will be too much to take for the mind of a child. However, if the process is well-thought out, then this is not the case. The trick is always to start small so that the idea can be digested by the child slowly to the fullest of their capabilities.

Here are a few ways in which we go about the process:-

Sustainability is not a standalone concept; it is very much connected to every aspect of our lives. And childcare is no different. At Kids & Co., we believe that child care is much broader than just supervising your kids while you’re off to work. We are dedicated educators focused on the overall development and learning of children. 

We understand that as a parent, you want to protect your kids from the harsh realities of the world. But only telling them about the good can limit their perspective, and they’ll end up with a shielded worldview. We strive to create a nurturing learning environment for your child, where they form essential habits, learn responsibility and other core values. In particular, we teach our students about sustainability. 

Toddlers and teenagers tend to model the behaviour of adults. That’s why learning about sustainability is an essential part of our curriculum. In addition to teaching them about pollution and other forms of environmental degradation, we also embed day-to-day practices such as turning off lights when not in use and recycling in their learning. By encouraging kids to embrace such practices from a young age, we aim to create a sustainable and environment-friendly future generation.

“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” is a Native American proverb that perfectly encapsulates the need to take care of our environment for future generations. Given the current climate crisis, it has never been more important to do our part to preserve our planet. And children have to be a part of this critical movement. Therefore, it’s never too early to teach children about the irreplaceable role the environment plays in our existence. 

Children develop basic habits and values in their early childhood. Then why should sustainability be something that’s only taught when they’re older? Learning about sustainability from a young age allows children to develop sustainable habits and become responsible citizens. Moreover, inculcating this at an early age prevents kids from viewing sustainability as a chore or burden when they become adults. Instead, we are striving to make sustainability an innate part of their lives. 

From waste management to mindful resource consumption, children can easily implement sustainable practices in their everyday lives. This also encourages analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Growing up, they will not just sit back and watch, but rather they will take action and create much-needed change.

Sustainability is not an individual country’s concern. From the untamable wildfires in Australia to California, the repercussions of climate change can be felt across the globe. Teaching about sustainability also makes children aware of various environmental issues around the world. This is something that positively impacts their science proficiency levels. 

It’s no secret that the impact of the climate crisis is worse for the less privileged. Everything from access to clean drinking water to fresh air is a privilege. Being conscious about the environment and personal consumption of resources is a way to show appreciation to the environment. 

That’s why teaching about sustainability broadens the worldview and helps children learn core values such as compassion and empathy. Learning about environmental issues and their impact allows them to discover other such problems as poverty and lack of healthcare.

By now, the whole world is familiar with Great Thunberg, the Swedish teenager that made waves for her unstoppable efforts against climate change. She is an excellent example that you cannot underestimate what kids are capable of. Not only is Greta leading the conversations surrounding climate change, but she is also holding policymakers, governments, and other powerful people accountable.