In 2020, when the pandemic hit us all, children were believed to be most vulnerable. They were denied public education or in-person socialization, for their good. The education and childcare industry got affected in a worse way.
However, denying basic childcare and education to children also had an adverse effect on their personalities.
According to a report from UNICEF, the pandemic had caused long-lasting damage to children. Contribution to the economies in the coming years may decline due to depleting mental health in children.
Indeed, no one expected the childcare industry would emerge stronger and better. But here it is, setting up new trends that are healthier and more comforting for children as well as parents.
So, without any further ado, here are some Childcare Industry Trends that you Should Expect to Witness in 2022:
1. Supercharged Health and Safety
Vaccinations for children are still underdeveloped. Although vaccinations in adults are being carried out at lightning speeds, it does not guarantee immunity for children.
While life for adults may soon go back to normal, children are an exception.
Childcare settings will need to be prepared for the worst. As the experts at Story House Childcare explain, institutions will likely continue to focus on health, safety, and hygiene. Sanitisation protocols and practices to wash hands regularly will need to be communicated with the children. And, of course, parents too.
2. Integration Of Technology
Online education is already a popular thing. Even the most competitive universities and education institutions in the world have shifted from in-school learning to online platforms.
Perhaps, we might get to witness a similar trend pacing up in the early childcare facilities too.
For instance, teachers and childcare industry staff may be reduced on-premises. But, at the same time, the teachers and caregivers may rely heavily on technology to communicate with the children.
Besides, technology can also help parents stay sane without worrying about their children. Innovative tools and software integrations can allow parents to check children checking in and out of the facility. And perhaps, may also enable them to monitor their children’s vitals while they are at the childcare industry facility.
3. High Demand For Childcare
In general, it would have been easier to leave their children with their grandparents. However, the pandemic has twisted the whole caregiving scenario, especially when it comes to old-age people.
Consider this; older people are already weak and more vulnerable. People above the age of 60 years, have been reported to have the highest mortality rate during the pandemic.
Leaving children with their grandparents might expose the elders to the virus. Since children are not so good at social distancing and may contract the virus, they may also transmit it to the elders.
In contrast, leaving children at a childcare industry facility is a safer option. Most facilities already practice high standards of hygiene and healthcare. Moreover, the technological advancements are also helping children maintain social distancing and still learning while they are in care.
Perhaps, this eases out the situation for the parents, as well as, allow children to socialize.
The Bottomline
Over the years, childcare industry centres have become more than just a place where parents can drop off their children before heading out to work. Gradually, these care centres are becoming early education centres and are helping children learn essential life lessons early.
Despite the pandemic, which is likely to continue the next year too, the situation is slowly improving. Besides, technology and healthcare advancements are also making these facilities safer for children. Thus, enabling parents to enjoy peace leaving their kids with early education professionals.
In a nutshell, the childcare industry and early education industry are sure to witness more demand, given that the industry insiders go for hygiene and safety measures.
