Difficult to segregate learning domains Learning happens holistically Learning originates in relationships Child’s interest is key Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

What are we trying to accomplish when caring for infants and toddlers in groups? Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

Purpose of Infant/Toddler Care:  Meet Parent/Family’s Needs  Meet Society’s Needs  Meet Infant’s Needs! Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

QUALITY OF CARE FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS “Quality of care ultimately boils down to the quality of the relationship between the child care provider or teacher and the child.” Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development. Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

QUALITY OF CARE AND ATTACHMENT  Infants in high quality care tend to have secure attachments  High quality child care can compensate for child’s insecure attachments at home Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

DIMENSIONS OF QUALITY THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SECURE ATTACHMENTS  Sensitivity/Responsiveness of Caregiver  Group Size and Caregiver to Child Ratio  Stability of Care, especially for infants who are emotionally insecure Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

TO ESTABLISH SECURE ATTACHMENT WITH CHILD CAREGIVER NEEDS TO: Provide physical and emotional care to infant Create continuity and give consistent care to infant Make an emotional investment in child Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

RELATIONSHIP-BASED INFANT/TODDLER CARE Primary Care Small Groups Continuity of Care Individualizing Care Developed by Lally, J.R., & Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes.

Developed by Lally, J.R., and Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes. Who especially needs intimacy? Very young infants Cautious children Feisty children Children from diverse cultures and languages Chldren with special needs Children with disrupted home lives All infants and toddlers and their families Infant/toddler caregivers

Developed by Lally, J.R., and Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes. relationships support care and development Working with families and culture Inclusion Caregiving routines Language and discovery Planning the environment Documenting and planning curriculum

Developed by Lally, J.R., and Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes. Intimacy supports responsive care With fewer people to get to know, children and caregivers can develop closer relationships Fewer distractions make it easier for caregivers to tune in to children’s subtle cues Caregivers can be more responsive to diverse families and cultures It’s easier to keep track of different developmental and temperamental needs

Developed by Lally, J.R., and Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes. Intimacy supports health and safety The caregiver knows the children well.e.g.: when Georgia is tired or overstimulated she may bite another child if Benjamin, who is usually easygoing, cries inconsolably, he may be ill what medication Shawna needs, how much and at what times that Timmy is allergic to milk products and should get soy milk

Developed by Lally, J.R., and Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes. health and safety There are fewer infections to pass around and fewer children to be exposed to them. Caregivers can pay attention to potential hazards, such as toys a child could trip over.

Developed by Lally, J.R., and Mangione, P. © WestEd, The Program for Infant/Toddler Caregivers. This document may be reproduced for educational purposes. Some barriers to creating intimacy Lack of Administrative Support Lack of Center Funds Lack of Time for Training Turnover of Staff Caregiver Apathy