Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/living-in-the-real-world-pillars-of-security-part-2-making-child-care-centers-secure-places/5007218/
If people, place, routine, and ritual provide the basis of security for each child, how do centers use this understanding to make child care centers more secure places?People
It's easier to pronounce from on high "reduce staff turnover" than to achieve it. But, sadly, some turnover is a given and programs can offset its worst effects.
When a caregiver leaves, children face the loss of a familiar, perhaps loved, person. Early childhood professionals have long understood this is a time of trial for children and teachers.
But a replacement is found and now, at least as long as he or she remains, classroom life returns to normal. Only it's a new normality- new person with new language (verbal and non-verbal), new looks and interests and warning signs, new favorites.
And what does this stranger do? She begins to alter the world as they know it. She begins to make the classroom hers-a new room arrangement and perhaps new spaces, slightly altered routines and new rules. The schedule may change-story before nap, snack a little later, playground a little earlier. Very shifty sands under very unsteady little feet.
It doesn't have to be that way if there is an ...