Caring for the Little Ones - Continuity of Care

Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/caring-for-the-little-ones-continuity-of-care/5012994/

What It Is and How It Works

Continuity of care is a staffing system that allows the same caregiver to remain with a small group of children through the infant and toddler years. The starting point for the concept is primary caregivers. Each caregiver has his or her own small group of infants with whom he or she forms a special bond. Many programs do this. With continuity of care, the caregiver moves up with the children, basically staying with the same group for two or sometimes three years. When the children graduate into the preschool, the caregivers start over with a new group of infants. This is something that has long been advocated by psychologists and child development specialists whose main concern about child care is the frequent transitions made in most settings, and possible bonding and attachment problems that could occur.

More and more programs around the country are adopting this system in infant care and there is much interest. Although many people agree with the concepts, it can be difficult to implement. So, members of our network voiced what they saw as the advantages and disadvantages, and described how they handle some of the administrative issues.

Advantages for Children

Emotional ...