Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/the-impact-of-continuous-care-and-primary-caregivers/5015035/
Not long ago, the University of New Mexico implemented a program for the care of infants and toddlers characterized by the continuous care of children by primary caregivers. The beneficial consequences for children produced few surprises. There were, however, some surprises for the staff when it came to the impact on parents and teachers. Following a quick sketch of the program, I will enumerate some of those surprises in the hopes that others will implement similar programs with the benefit of our experience.The UNM Child Care Center had cared for toddlers and twos since its inception in the early 1970s. At the beginning of each semester, children would be prepared for the transition of some into older classrooms, the enrollment of new children into the program, and the reconfiguration of classes in which children played new roles in their existing classrooms. The staff had developed a detailed Transitioning Plan and Schedule to minimize the stress and chaos of the process. Nevertheless, the process was extremely stressful for parents, teachers, and children alike. Parents could be seen leaving the center in tears; teachers barked at kitchen staff, administrators, and one another; and toddlers developing the vocabulary and self-confidence to express their feelings ...