About Program
ECD often focuses on learning through play based on the research and philosophy of Jean Piaget, which posits that play meets the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social needs of children. Children learn more efficiently and gain more knowledge and develop cognitively through activities such as dramatic play, art, and social games. ECD has the capacity to pre-emptively close the educational achievement gap between low and high-income students before formal schooling begins (Children of low socioeconomic status (SES) often begin school already behind their higher SES peers; on average, by the time they are three, children with high SES have three times the number of words in their vocabularies as children with low SES).
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Program Impact
Volunteers who dedicate time and energy at a daycare center in Samana have an opportunity to make an important difference in the lives of children even with little Spanish skills! This voluntary role is very rewarding if you enjoy interacting with children, guiding them as they grow and learn. Volunteers usually perform a variety of duties as they assist a daycare supervisor, teacher or primary caretaker. Our aim is to provide educational assistance and help create an environment where children can be supported through early childhood development (ECD) which refers to the physical, psychological, cognitive and social development that a child experiences between birth and school-going age. The 6 principles of child development are: Emotional and Social Development, Language Skills Development, Cognitive Skills Development Physical Development, Motor Skill Development, Self Help Development.
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Location
The Dominican Republic shares the island Hispaniola with Haiti (the DR is to the right, Haiti to the left), and is a hot spot for beaching, staying at resorts, and living a Caribbean lifestyle. Close to Miami, with a diverse population and Creole cuisine, this island is a popular tourist destination filled with all sorts of adventures.
