So much of what we do in the early stages of childcare is informed by attachment theory. The central theme of attachment is that primary caregivers who are available and responsive to an infant's needs allow the child to develop a sense of security. The infant knows that the caregiver is dependable, which creates a secure base for the child to then explore the world.
Children that have a strong attachment to their primary caregivers will transition more quickly into care and form lasting bonds with their educator.
Families can assist children make this transition in many ways. Think about how much of your routine is unsettled when you first send your child to care. You may need to get up earlier, there may be more adult discussion that displaces your child from the centre of attention, you may be transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding. Your sleep and meal routines can become irregular.
You can assist your child by understanding your educators routines and thinking about how you can bridge these into your home life. Can you get up earlier every day and not just on care days, can you introduce a bottle at home so this is not an added stress on their first day, can you talk to your child and explain that you will be leaving them with their educator who will love and care for them until you collect them after their afternoon nap. Never underestimate how much your child understands.
Once your child has established strong attachment with their educator and the other children in care they will get most out of our learning curriculum.
Secure, respectful and attached relationships allow us to explore social, emotional, physical and intellectual curriculum. Babies and toddlers are like sponges and need constant stimulation. Outside time activates all the senses - sight, sound, touch, smell, and language. It is a time to belong through conversation and song, group time and individual parallel play.
Even transitions to inside time, washing hands, changing nappies and sharing meals provide valuable learning opportunities. They are intimate and joyous moments when we can give your child undivided attention whilst preserving their individual agency. They are opportunities to introduce levels of challenge and assist them take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
It is such a joy to see each little personality emerge. Their verbal and non verbal communication, their wants, desires and joys form the basis of lasting relationships and future learning.
Additional reading