Learning to interact with and learn from other people is a crucial part of early childhood development. While most day care and early education programs allow kids to socialize with other children their own age, there's also a lot to be learned from older generations, many of whom have different interests and experiences than anyone else in a child's life. Intergenerational programs are innovative programs designed to bring different age groups together, designed to benefit everyone involved.

What Are Inter-Generational Programs?

Many studies have shown that different age groups in America are increasingly isolated from one another, especially children and the elderly. Kids under the age of 21 have entertainment options that older people may not understand, and the two groups may not even live in the same neighborhoods. In an intergenerational program, senior citizen volunteers work with children in a day care, school, or after-school facility, providing additional support and companionship to kids who many need additional support.

Benefits of Intergenerational Programs

Age segregation causes misunderstanding, stereotypical thinking, and resentment between different groups who may feel they have nothing in common. Working together allows seniors to share their experience and stories, while the children learn to relate to people who are significantly older. Children who face language barriers or just need some extra attention especially stand to benefit from these programs, while seniors get to put their skills and experience to good use. These programs will hopefully diminish the adversarial attitudes different generations have towards one another and, eventually, help reintegrate Americans of all ages.

Seagull Schools, one of Hawaii's largest child care providers, is also a national leader in the emerging field of intergenerational programs and other innovative approaches to improving the lives of children and seniors. Visit their website to find your location, or call (808) 533-0004 to discuss child care options with a member of their team.