What is Relationship-Based
Caregiving?
Relationship-Based Caregiving involves positive and
responsive interactions with the infant/toddlers in
your care. Ensuring a healthy attachment between the
child and caregiver is important for healthy
development.
Attachment – An enduring emotional tie between a
parent/caregiver and an infant that endures over time.
Environment
Children who are cared for in enriched environments are
shown to be healthier, happier, and more likely to succeed.
An enriching environment for infant/toddlers should be…
Inviting
Comfortable
Healthy
Safe
Supportive
Challenging
Respectful
(Morrison, 2011)
Infant Mental Health
Infant Mental Health is the overall health and wellbeing of infants and young children in the context of
family, school, and community relationships. The state
of emotional and social competence of young children.
(Morrison, 2011)
“The interactions between infant and caregiver are
recognized to have a significant influence on the
developmental course of the child.” (National Infant and Toddler
Child Care Initiative)
Individual Attention
It is important to give attention to individual needs. A
Responsive caregiver acknowledges and addresses the
needs of the infant/toddler in a fashion that promotes
a safe and secure environment. For example, when an
infant cries you might respond by checking his/her
diaper or feeding him/her.
“An infant learns to trust others through the growing predictability of
caregiver/child interactions and the emerging relationship between
them.” (National Infant and Toddler Child Care Initiative)
Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages
Infancy (0-18 months)
Early Childhood (2-3)
Trust vs. Mistrust
Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
Feeding/Comfort
Is my world safe?
Children develop a sense of trust
when caregivers provide reliability,
care and affection. A lack of this will
lead to mistrust.
Adapted from: National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
Information U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Toilet Training/
Dressing
Can I do things
by myself or
need I always
rely on others?
Children need to develop a sense of
personal control over physical skills
and a sense of independence.
Success leads to feeling of
autonomy, failure results in feelings
of shame and doubt.
Trust vs. Mistrust
Trust vs. Mistrust
When a child experiences warm, responsive care, he will learn that the world is
dependable and good. He learns to trust his significant caregiver(s).
If a child experiences harsh interactions, or receives care that is not responsive to
his needs he learns to mistrust his caregiver(s).
Role of ECE:
Comfort infants in distress
Be attentive-respond to infants’ cues and signals
Hold babies when feeding them
Identify and take care of basic needs: diapering, feeding.
Socialize through smiling, talking, and singing
(Morrison, 2011)
Identifying Individual Strengths
Everyone has their own strengths, this includes
infants and toddlers. Identify those strengths and
emphasize them. Discuss your observations with
parents and help them to understand how their
parenting is so vital to the development of their child.
Stability
It is important for an infant/toddler to have stable and
continuous caregiving. This is important for the child’s
development of security. This stability is also
important to the parents as they leave their child for a
good portion of the day, and having the stability of a
continuous caregiver can make this arrangement more
comfortable for everyone involved.
“According to the U.S. Department of Education approximately 6 million
children under the age of 3 spend part or all of their day in care with someone
other than their parents.” (National Infant and Toddler Child Care Initiative)
Accessibility
It is important to be accessible to both the infant/toddler as well as their
parents. Having an open relationship with all parties involved in the care of the
child is the best way to ensure appropriate care is being given and that
everyone is aware of the development of the child. For example, having a form
filled out daily noting all feedings, changes, needed supplies, and activities the
child was involved in that day. Also being available for parents to speak with
you about questions or concerns.
It is important to be accessible and responsive to the cues that the
infant/toddler gives when attention or care is needed. Being responsive to these
cues helps to build a positive relationship between you and the child. Learn
each child’s cues and what they mean. For instance, one child may become
fussy and cry when tired, while another may seek out their blanket and lay on
the floor.
NAEYC Standards
By creating a healthy enriched environment, and fostering a healthy relationship with
both the infant/toddler, and their family, you are meeting all the standards set forth by
the NAEYC for early childhood programs.
1.) Promoting Child Development and Learning
2.) Building Family and Community Relationships
3.) Observing, Documenting and assessing to Support Young Children and Families
4.) Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families
5.) Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum
6.) Becoming a Professional
References
National Infant and Toddler Child Care Initiative
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ecd/relationships_the_heart_of_development_and_learning.pdf
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
Information U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services http://www.ocfcpacourts.us/assets/files/list-758/file-1038.pdf
Morrison, G. (2011). Fundamentals of Early Childhood
Education. Pearson/Boston.