If your infant or young child has a strong attachment to their caregiver, consider it a wonderful occurrence. It does not mean that they love you less, it just means that they have established a strong connection with the caregiver. Early childhood professionals who provide high-quality care understand that you are the most important person in your child’s life, but also know that they need to develop a bond with your child – and you -- to support their growth and development.
How can you support your child’s caregiver in providing top-notch care?
Get to know your child’s teacher. Ask about her/his life and share some about you and your family.
Respect her/his culture and differences.
Be open and honest with your caregiver about your goals and concerns regarding your child.
If your child’s teacher does not regularly share about their day, ask questions you would like to know. For example, how are they napping? Are they making friends? How are they progressing with their communicating?
Offer to visit your child’s program to share family interests, tag along on field trips or stop by for lunch. A quality program will value your interest in what is taking place with your child when you are not there.
What should you expect from your child’s teacher?
High-quality programs may have a great team of caregivers but usually one is mainly responsible for caring for your child and interacting with your family.
She/He should develop a nurturing relationship with your child that builds confidence in them. Also, your child will know who they can turn to when they need extra help, is feeling a little sad or very happy, or share their thoughts and experiences with.
Your child’s caregiver should show affection and happiness, and your child should feel that they are liked and understood.
She/He should welcome your questions, concerns and issues about your child and be open to suggestions, as well as provide you with thoughtful feedback.
Your caregiver should talk with you about your child’s accomplishments and struggles, as well as other daily routine activities. She/He should be able to answer questions about each day as well as regularly meet with you to talk about their progress.
Caregivers in high-quality programs listen to families and respect your difference and backgrounds.
Your child’s caregiver should be helping with language development, cognitive skills, as well as social, emotional and physical development.
She/He should encourage families to provide objects, such as family pictures, that are familiar to each child.
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