Being in childcare can often be a challenging experience for young children. Although infants cannot express their feelings with words, it can be evident by their cries that they are anxious about the separation from their parents. This separation is the first step infants take toward independence. When positive and supported experiences with separation take place, a basic trust and sense of security develop between an infant and a caregiver so that exploration and development can take place. As caregivers, there is much we can do to make sure these positive separations take place each and every day.

Home Visit-Before an infant begins care with you; it can be beneficial to make a home visit. A caregiver can gain insight into the infant's routine at home, as well as observe more natural interactions between the infant and parent(s). The caregiver also has the opportunity to interact with the infant in a familiar surrounding where the infant feels most secure.

Gradual Enrollment-Another great way to positively support a new child coming into your program is to strongly encourage gradual enrollment. There is no one way to carry roles over the course of a day to one week. For example, in the morning of an infant's out a gradual enrollment, but the idea is for the parent and caregiver to slowly reverse first day of care, mom may change the diaper while the caregiver stays close by talking to the infant. In the afternoon, the caregiver will change the diaper with the mom close by..

Encourage a Separation Routine-The way the day begins sets the tone for the infants in your care. Encourage parents to establish a routine at drop off that includes telling you what you need to know for the day, a special song or snuggle for their baby and always say good-bye. Initially it may be easier to have parents just "scoot out" the door, but it does not support a child's emerging ideas about trust and may create more difficult separations down the road.

Provide a Consistent Care Routine-While all of the infants in your care should be on their own schedule, it is important that they follow a consistent routine throughout the day. Routines such as feeding, napping, and diapering should take place at regular intervals so the infant can feel secure in the care that you are providing. It is also important to provide transitions between experiences such as a song as you are

preparing a bottle

Be Responsive-One of the greatest things we can do is to respond to the cues of the children in our care.. It is important to answer infant cries and coos. Young infants cannot be "spoiled" by being picked up when they cry.. In fact, just the opposite is true.

When infants have their needs met promptly and appropriately they feel secure and are more willing to explore their environments as they grow. When a baby cries, pick

him/her up. If an infant is cooing or babbling, speak to him/her about the wonderful sounds they are making. Take time to build that secure attachment with every child in your care.

As caregivers, we have an awesome responsibility. Taking the time to arrange a positive

separation experience for both parent and child every day can reap huge benefits as the

child grows into a confident and secure child ready to take on the world.

*For more information and ideas, contact:

Website: www.wnyinfanttoddlersolutions.com

Phone: (716) 877-6666 ext. 3065

Your WNY Infant Toddler Resource Network