My article deals with what parents are looking for when they are placing an infant or toddler in childcare. Also, what we as care givers can do to provide quality nurturing infant and toddler programs.
Parents should be able to go to an infant/toddler classroom, look inside and be able to see if the right things are happening. Parents are often concerned that the emotional needs of their child will not be met. They are concerned that the teachers will not be capable of sincere in providing the attention and nurturing that an infant/toddler requires because they are being taken care of in groups. Separations and reunions are often accompanied by crying in the earlier years leaving the parent to come to the conclusion that this happens all day long. The parent must be able to see the teacher providing prompt responses at least verbal if not physical, to every child showing signs of distress. If a child begins to cry and you are in the middle of changing another, respond to the child by saying something such as,Miss Suzi will e right there as soon as I finish changing this diaper.? It is important to remember to use both words and/or actions at appropriate times. .
Infants and toddlers spend a lot of time on the floor. They explore using their hands and mouths so it is important that the entire room, including the floor, be clean and sanitized routinely. Also the room should be organized and items always returned to the same place so the children can always find things where they were the last time they played with them. They should always be provided with interesting and age appropriate items. The room should be organized and not cluttered or overstimulating, allowing plenty of space for play and exploration.
Teachers should be providing several changes daily. Children should have opportunities to choose among several materials and activities. They should play on the floor and off, indoors and outdoors.