Have you ever seen a child cling to a caregiver when his parents arrive to pick him up at a child care center? How about a child who greets her parents happily then returns to her activity, in no rush to go home? While such close attachments to caregivers and child care settings may make some parents initially uneasy, these bonds are an important part of children's development and learning. Working together, parents and caregivers can ensure that children see their educational settings as safe places where adults other than their parents support and care for them.

Caregivers with a strong knowledge of child development recognize how important it is for children to have a sense of belonging, being loved, and trust in their environments. Warm and caring relationships with adults provide children with the basis for all types of learning. For instance, studies show the presence of attentive caregivers encourages children to explore their worlds. Responsive adults help children extend their learning and reach out to other children and adults.

Specific training in early childhood education is critical because even the most supportive caregivers may not fully understand children's needs at different stages of their development. Also, working with groups of young children is very different from relating to one's own child or neighbor's child. Caregivers who attend workshops, courses, and staff development programs are better able to create strong bonds with children. In addition, these caregivers are more sensitive and responsive to all children in their care.

Because very young children have limited ability to communicate their wants and needs, it takes a skilled adult who knows the child well to recognize different signals and respond appropriately. Caregivers should be sensitive to each child's learning needs, a unique combination of individual, developmental, and cultural characteristics. Such attention helps children develop self-confidence and self-worth.

Good caregivers know that children's learning occurs in informal activities as much as in formal instruction. Children's language development, for example, begins with their earliest human interactions. Attentive caregivers help children learn the words to communicate their needs effectively. They see everyday caring routines as opportunities for expanding children's language skills.

Parents can help strengthen the bond between children and caregivers by helping to communicate an attitude of trust. Mention the caregiver's name in conversations at home, and show interest in your child's interactions with her/him. Say goodbye confidently to children to make their transition more comfortable.

Parents will find the best caregivers by recognizing signs of early childhood expertise. As communications between parents and caregivers develop, the bonds between children and caregivers will grow. A caregiver who understands the educational needs of each individual child can help parents make early years the best learning years possible.

What helps strengthen the ties...

• Small groups of children. For babies, NAEYC recommends no more than 6 to 8; for toddlers, 6 to 10; for pre-schoolers, 16 to 20 - and always with at least 2 adults.
• A primary caregiver assigned to infants and toddlers to promote consistency and responsiveness.
• Scheduling that keeps groups of children with the same caregivers for extended periods of time, rather than changing with the traditional school year, or even more frequently.
• Low staff turnover to reduce any anxiety caused by changing faces and styles of handling. Ask programs about rate of turnover and steps taken to recruit and retain qualified staff.
• Active parent participation. Close communication with caregivers may ease parents' initial concerns and help children benefit most from their experience.

Resources:

Greenburg, P. 1991. Character Development: Encouraging self-esteem & self-discipline in infants, toddlers, & two-year olds. NAEYC #175/ $8.

Koralek, D.G., L.J. Colker, & D.T. Dodge. 1993. The what, why and how of high-quality early childhood education. NAEYC #336/ $7.

NAEYC. 1990. How to choose a good early childhood program. #525/ 10 for $100; 50¢ each.